On the opening day of the World Test Championship final, Australia showcased a commanding performance against South Africa, despite enduring a turbulent start with the bat. After a challenging session that saw them bowled out for 212, the Australian bowlers immediately made their presence felt, reducing the Proteas to 4-43 at the close of play.
The foundation for Australia’s innings was laid by Steve Smith and Beau Webster, who both scored half-centuries with Smith contributing 66 and Webster delivering 72 runs. Their partnership of 79 was pivotal in stabilising Australia after a shaky start where they found themselves at 4-67 by lunch. However, a late collapse saw the team lose five wickets for a mere 20 runs, leaving them vulnerable.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada was particularly impressive, taking 5-51 and reaching a significant career milestone of 331 Test wickets, surpassing the legendary Allan Donald on the nation’s all-time list. Rabada highlighted the importance of representing his country and expressed satisfaction in performing well on such a stage.
Earlier, Australia’s Mitchell Starc set the tone with a brilliant delivery that dismissed opener Aiden Markram for a duck on the first ball he faced. However, the Aussies had their own moment of misfortune when wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped a simple catch off Wiaan Mulder, a lapse that commentators deemed unusual.
Despite Carey’s error, Mulder was soon bowled by Pat Cummins for six, leaving South Africa reeling. The day’s struggles for batting were underscored when the Proteas’ captain Temba Bavuma only managed to score his first run after facing 31 balls, receiving applause from the crowd. South Africa’s woes continued, with Tristan Stubbs departing for just two runs.
As stumps were called, David Bedingham stood unbeaten on 8, while Bavuma had just three runs to his name. Starc ended the day with exemplary bowling figures of 2-10, reinforcing Australia’s strong position in the match. Kevin Pietersen, providing commentary, remarked on the day’s actions with the sentiment that it had predominantly been a day for the bowlers.
The anticipated contest has many looking forward to how the batters will respond in the coming days, as they seek to improve upon a difficult first day at Lord’s.