Australia vs South Africa WTC Final 2025: Starc, Rabada Light Up Lord’s as Day 1 Ends With South Africa at 43/4
Australia vs South Africa WTC Final Day 1 Summary:
Mitchell Starc led the charge for Australia with two wickets, supported by fellow pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, as South Africa stumbled to 43/4 by stumps on Day 1. Earlier, Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul restricted Australia to 212 in the first innings at Lord’s.
A Tale of Two Bowling Attacks
The first day of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 delivered on every front, with quality bowling and tense sessions. South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first at the iconic Lord’s, a decision that paid off early. Kagiso Rabada unleashed a fiery spell, claiming his 17th five-wicket haul and dismantling Australia’s batting order.
Australia were bowled out for 212, with Beau Webster top-scoring at 72. Rabada was ably supported by Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, who also struck crucial blows to keep the Aussie innings under control.
In response, Australia’s pace trio made life equally tough for South Africa. Mitchell Starc dismissed Aiden Markram for a duck in the first over, setting the tone for the innings. By stumps, the Proteas had collapsed to 43/4, trailing Australia by 169 runs.
Key Highlights from Day 1
- Kagiso Rabada’s 5-Wicket Haul: The South African speedster finished with figures of 5/59, ensuring Australia couldn’t build a huge first-innings total.
- Beau Webster’s Crucial 72: Amid the chaos, Webster showed resilience, anchoring the Aussie innings and helping push the score past 200.
- Mitchell Starc’s Early Strike: Starc sent Aiden Markram packing in the very first over and added another before stumps.
- South Africa Reeling at 43/4: With wickets from Cummins and Hazlewood, Australia’s pacers maintained pressure throughout the evening session.
Session by Session Breakdown
Morning Session:
Australia started cautiously with Khawaja and Labuschagne negotiating a tricky opening spell. However, Rabada turned the tide by removing Khawaja and Green in quick succession. Jansen and Rabada continued the onslaught, reducing Australia to 67/4 at Lunch.
Afternoon Session:
Steve Smith steadied the innings with a composed 66, bringing up his 42nd Test fifty. He stitched a vital partnership with Webster before being dismissed by Markram. Webster then took over, driving Australia to 190/5 by Tea.
Evening Session:
Post Tea, the Proteas cleaned up the tail quickly, thanks to Rabada and Maharaj. In reply, South Africa’s top order faltered under Australian pace pressure. Markram, Mulder, and Stubbs were dismissed cheaply, with only Rickelton and Bavuma managing to survive until stumps.
Playing XIs
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verrynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
What to Expect on Day 2
Day 2 will be critical for South Africa to claw back into the contest. With only six wickets in hand and still trailing by 169 runs, the Proteas need a resilient partnership from Bavuma and Bedingham. Australia, on the other hand, will look to extend their dominance and secure a sizeable first-innings lead.
This WTC Final is shaping up to be a gripping battle between two high-quality bowling attacks. With Lord’s offering pace and bounce, Day 2 promises more action as the race for the ICC Test mace heats up.
Stay tuned to Newszery.com for daily updates, expert analysis, and full coverage of the WTC Final 2025.
