ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Mitchell Starc spearheaded a spirited Australian comeback with the ball after a dominant spell by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada had rattled the defending champions on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.
Australia were bowled out for 212 in seamer-friendly conditions before reducing South Africa to 43-4 at stumps, trailing by 169 runs.
Rabada Rips Through Australian Top Order
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma elected to field first after winning the toss, and Rabada quickly justified the decision. The pacer claimed 5-51, dismantling Australia’s top and lower order with pace and precision.
Australia were reeling at 16-2 early, losing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over. Marnus Labuschagne battled for a gritty 17 off 56 balls before falling to Marco Jansen, while Travis Head managed just 11 before a spectacular diving catch by Kyle Verreynne ended his stay.
Despite the early collapse, Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) built a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket, offering some resistance. However, Australia’s lower order crumbled, losing their last five wickets for just 20 runs.
Rabada’s performance not only anchored South Africa’s dominance with the ball but also saw him surpass the legendary Allan Donald’s tally of 330 Test wickets. “Allan Donald, what a legend, it means a lot to get past someone like him,” Rabada told Sky Sports.
Starc Strikes as Australia Hit Back
In reply, South Africa faltered in the face of Australia’s pace trio. Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2-10 in seven overs. He removed Aiden Markram for a duck and dismissed Ryan Rickelton (16), leaving South Africa at 19-2.
Captain Pat Cummins struck next, bowling Wiaan Mulder for six, and Josh Hazlewood added to the damage by dismissing Tristan Stubbs just before the close of play.
Reflecting on the day, Webster said: “Two good bowling outfits, it was tough work for the batters. We’ve got a score on the board and to grab four scalps at the end of the day, I think we’re pretty happy.”
Mixed Fortunes and Missed Reviews
Webster acknowledged some fortune, including a moment when he was given not out on an lbw appeal that would have been overturned on review. “There were a couple of reviews throughout the day which could’ve gone either way,” he said.
South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who took 3-49, admitted it had been a day of mixed results: “Bowling-wise I think we did really well… They bowled well and we are going to have our work cut out for us tomorrow.”
Looking Ahead
With both sides boasting formidable pace attacks, the contest remains finely balanced. Australia will look to press home their advantage early on Day 2, while South Africa aim to stabilize and build a competitive reply.
Despite subdued performances in global markets and cricketing headwinds off the field, Day 1 of the WTC Final delivered high drama — a showcase of elite fast bowling and shifting momentum.
