The World Test Championship final between South Africa and defending champions Australia is underway in a thrilling contest. South Africa, winning the toss, elected to bowl first, a decision that proved advantageous.
Sports News: The highly anticipated final of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 commenced at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground between South Africa and the reigning champions, Australia. The first day offered cricket enthusiasts a rollercoaster of exciting action. Kagiso Rabada's lethal bowling bundled out Australia for a mere 212 runs, but the Australian bowlers fought back, leaving South Africa reeling. At the close of play, South Africa were precariously positioned at 43/4, still trailing by 169 runs.
Rabada's Havoc: Kangaroos Stumble
South Africa's decision to bowl first after winning the toss proved spot-on. Exploiting the early morning moisture and swing, Kagiso Rabada wreaked havoc. He dismissed Usman Khawaja for a duck and then removed Cameron Green for only four runs. He further added Steve Smith, Alex Carey, and Nathan Lyon to his list of victims, claiming a five-wicket haul.
This performance saw Rabada surpass Allan Donald (330 wickets) to become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 332 wickets.
Australia's Innings: A Recovery, Then a Collapse
Australia's start was shaky. Labuschagne (17) and Travis Head (11) were dismissed early. However, Steve Smith and young Beau Webster attempted to steady the ship, forging a 79-run partnership. Smith played a composed 66, while Webster contributed a brisk 72. Once this partnership was broken, Australia's lower order crumbled. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Hazlewood fell in quick succession, resulting in the team being bowled out for 212.
South Africa's Dismal Start
Mirroring Australia's poor start, South Africa also endured a disastrous beginning. Starc bowled Aiden Markram in the first over. Ryan Rickelton (16) and Wiaan Mulder (6) also followed suit, leaving the team at a precarious 34/3. Josh Hazlewood, expertly utilizing the pace and bounce of the ball, claimed the third wicket.
Captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham tried to resist, but the pressure from the Australian bowlers remained relentless. At the close of play, South Africa were struggling at 43/4, with Bavuma on three and Bedingham on eight not out.
Australia's Bowling Response
The Australian bowlers demonstrated their resilience. Mitchell Starc picked up two wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins claimed one each. Australia's pace trio effectively exploited every nuance of the first-day pitch.
Statistics Tell the Story
- Rabada: 25 overs, 5 wickets, 51 runs
- Jansen: 3 wickets
- Australia's top scorers: Webster (72), Smith (66)
- South Africa first innings: 43/4
- South Africa's deficit: 169 runs
Kagiso Rabada's performance is not just a one-off; it reflects his consistent contribution to Test cricket. The 29-year-old not only took five wickets but also surpassed the legendary Allan Donald to become South Africa's fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests. He is now only behind Makhaya Ntini (390), Shaun Pollock (421), and Dale Steyn (439).
