Australia gained the upper hand on a dramatic first day of the World Test Championship final, despite being bowled out for just 212. South Africa, who had faced pre-match criticism over their place in the final, responded impressively with the ball thanks chiefly to Kagiso Rabada’s inspired five-wicket haul. However, a fragile batting reply saw them stumble to 43 for four by stumps, handing momentum back to the defending champions.
Rabada, returning to form following a turbulent period off the field, tore through Australia’s top order with probing, wobble-seam deliveries under overcast skies. His figures of 5 for 51 were a deserved reward for a disciplined and hostile spell, aided by excellent catching and smart captaincy from Temba Bavuma. Marco Jansen added support with 3 for 49, combining bounce and angle to trouble the batters. By lunch, Australia had slumped to 67 for four.
Yet Australia fought back. Steve Smith, so often a thorn for visiting teams at Lord’s, continued his remarkable run at the venue with a composed 66. His innings lifted his tally at the ground to a record-breaking 591 runs for a visiting batter, surpassing the likes of Don Bradman and Garry Sobers. He found a willing partner in Beau Webster, the towering all-rounder who top-scored with a gutsy 72. The pair added 79 for the sixth wicket, steering Australia to a more competitive position.
South Africa regained control briefly in the final session. Once Smith fell to part-time spin caught with a sharp juggling grab at slip the remaining wickets tumbled. Australia lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs, with Rabada returning to remove Pat Cummins and the in-form Webster. Jansen and Maharaj chipped in to clean up the tail, leaving South Africa seemingly in a strong position heading into their innings.
But the Australian fast bowlers had other ideas. Mitchell Starc struck early, removing both openers, before Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood dismantled the middle order. South Africa were left reeling at 43 for four by the close, still 169 runs behind. Bavuma, who had captained well in the field, found himself grinding for survival, scraping to three not out off 31 balls.
David Bedingham joined him at the crease, with the pair facing the daunting task of stabilising the innings against a relentless Australian attack. What had begun as a day of promise for South Africa ended with the defending champions reasserting themselves, proving once again why they remain a force to beat in world cricket.
