The grand finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2025 commenced with a gripping contest between Australia and South Africa at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. On a day where fast bowlers took complete control, fans witnessed a spectacle dominated by seam movement, disciplined bowling, and frequent batting collapses. With overcast conditions aiding movement through the air and off the seam, both teams found themselves embroiled in a battle for supremacy with the bat proving secondary to the mastery of the pacers.
As many as 14 wickets tumbled on an action-packed first day, nine of which came during a frenetic final session. Kagiso Rabada led the charge for the Proteas with a superb five-wicket haul, well assisted by Marco Jansen. Australia, despite valiant half-centuries from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, were bowled out for a modest 212. However, their formidable pace attack responded with venom, reducing South Africa to 43/4 at Stumps and leaving the contest precariously poised.
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Rabada and Jansen Set the Tone on a Cloudy Morning
Opting to bowl first under thick cloud cover, South Africa couldn’t have asked for better conditions to unleash their fiery pace attack. Rabada and Jansen exploited the helpful environment masterfully, probing relentlessly outside the off-stump and attacking the stumps. The start was ominous for the Australians as Rabada delivered three consecutive maidens, immediately putting the top order under duress.
Usman Khawaja was the first to succumb, edging Rabada to first slip for a 20-ball duck. Australia’s decision to promote Cameron Green to No.3 did not yield rewards either, as he departed cheaply thanks to a stunning catch by Aiden Markram at second slip. Steve Smith, calm under pressure, sought to rebuild alongside Marnus Labuschagne. The two right-handers countered the early storm, finding occasional boundaries against the probing South African bowlers.
Yet, their partnership could not flourish. Marco Jansen returned to the attack, angled it from around the wicket, and drew an edge from Labuschagne to end a gritty stand. When Travis Head fell off the last delivery before Lunch, gloving a leg-side delivery, Australia trudged into the break four down with little momentum.
Smith, Webster Counterattack But South Africa Strike Back
Australia’s hopes of recovery hinged heavily on the experienced shoulders of Smith. Demonstrating his typical mastery of angles and footwork, he peppered the off-side with cuts and late glances. While Rabada continued to beat the bat occasionally, Smith responded by finding the gaps through the packed off-side field, completing a deserved fifty with another precision cut shot past gully.
Beau Webster, having narrowly escaped on more than one occasion courtesy of unsuccessful reviews and umpire’s calls, gradually settled. South Africa missed golden opportunities to remove him early when they opted not to challenge close lbw calls, later revealed by replays to be in their favor.
The pair’s 79-run stand began shifting the tide marginally, offering hope of a substantial first-innings total. However, Markram’s part-time off-spin provided an unlikely breakthrough, as Smith feathered an edge to slip to end the burgeoning resistance. South Africa’s catching, sharp and alert for most of the innings, complemented their disciplined bowling unit.
Webster kept pushing forward despite Smith’s dismissal, showcasing elegant drives and clips through midwicket. He notched his maiden half-century in Test cricket with a boundary, exemplifying determination in testing circumstances. However, fortune didn’t favor him for long. Rabada, returning with a fiery second spell, claimed Webster’s wicket with an edge to slip, swinging momentum firmly back to South Africa’s side.
Final Session Collapse Hands Advantage to South Africa
After fighting admirably to reach 199/6, Australia’s lower order capitulated spectacularly post-Tea. Alex Carey fell to a reverse sweep gone wrong, bowled by Keshav Maharaj, and with that, the floodgates opened. Rabada continued his rampage, sending Pat Cummins’ stumps flying, completing a five-wicket masterclass befitting the Lord’s occasion.
The final dismissals came in rapid succession—Nathan Lyon was castled by Jansen before Rabada cleaned up Mitchell Starc with a searing inswinger. Australia’s innings ended abruptly at 212, with the last five wickets contributing a mere 22 runs.
Despite their batting struggles, Australia’s formidable pace battery ensured the contest remained alive. Mitchell Starc provided an electric start by dismissing Aiden Markram for a six-ball duck, forcing the right-hander to drag onto his stumps. The left-arm quick bowled with unrelenting hostility, bending the ball into right-handers and jagging it away to keep them guessing.
Josh Hazlewood, typically metronomic, joined the assault by breaching Tristan Stubbs’ defenses, while Cummins’ relentless accuracy proved too much for Wiaan Mulder, who was bowled after a torturous stay at the crease. Even South Africa’s skipper, Temba Bavuma, endured a torrid time at the crease, requiring 30 deliveries just to get off the mark, often beaten by pace and movement.
By the time Stumps was called, South Africa had stumbled to 43/4, their top order decimated by a merciless barrage of short-pitched deliveries and lateral movement. The match now hangs delicately in the balance, with both camps knowing that another impactful spell with the ball could decide the contest early on Day Two.
Post Match Quotes
South African spearhead Kagiso Rabada reflected on his stellar five-for, stating, “It was a good day for me personally. The ball was swinging, and the key was to stay disciplined, bowl in the right areas, and be patient.” His consistency and aggression typified the Proteas’ approach throughout the day.
Meanwhile, Australian skipper Pat Cummins emphasized resilience, remarking, “Getting to 212 was crucial after early setbacks. The boys bowled exceptionally, and we’ve put ourselves in the game. Tomorrow’s first session will be massive.”
Brief Scores
Australia 212 (Beau Webster 72, Steven Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5-51, Marco Jansen 3-49) lead South Africa 43/4 (Ryan Rickelton 16; Mitchell Starc 2-10, Josh Hazlewood 1-10, Pat Cummins 1-14) by 169 runs.
What Lies Ahead on Day 2?
With both sides boasting potent bowling attacks, batting remains the primary challenge on a seamer-friendly Lord’s surface. South Africa will need significant contributions from their middle and lower order to claw back parity in the game, while Australia’s fast bowlers will look to press home their advantage with another incisive display.
As two proud cricketing nations vie for the coveted mace, the stage is set for another captivating chapter in the history of Test cricket. Day Two promises tension, drama, and—most certainly—more wickets.
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FAQs
What was the main highlight of Day One?
Kagiso Rabada’s superb 5-51 stood out, helping bowl Australia out for 212 despite fifties from Smith and Webster.
How did Australia respond with the ball?
Australia’s pacers hit back hard, reducing South Africa to 43/4 by Stumps with Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood sharing the wickets.
Why was Beau Webster’s fifty important?
Webster’s maiden Test half-century rescued Australia from a collapse, adding crucial runs in tough conditions.
How did South Africa’s innings start?
The Proteas struggled early, losing key wickets to Australia’s relentless pace attack and ending the day under pressure.
What’s expected on Day Two?
Australia will push for a first-innings lead, while South Africa’s hopes rest on their middle and lower order to fight back.
