AUS vs SA, WTC Final 2025 Day 1: Australia ended a dramatic first day of the World Test Championship final in command after their pace attack reduced South Africa to 43 for four at stumps on Wednesday at Lord’s. Fourteen wickets fell on Day One as Australia were bowled out for 212 in 56.4 overs. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball for South Africa, claiming 5 for 51 and moving to fourth place on the nation’s all-time wicket-takers list. But the joy for South Africa was short-lived. Australia’s fast bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – tore through the top order in the evening session to leave South Africa trailing by 169 runs. Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were unbeaten at the close, on three and eight respectively. They will have to anchor South Africa’s innings if they are to mount a fightback on Day Two.
Starc set the tone in the first over by bowling Aiden Markram. He then dismissed Ryan Rickelton after a dropped chance off Wiaan Mulder. Cummins knocked over Mulder for six with a delivery that nipped back in. Hazlewood joined in by removing Tristan Stubbs with a delivery that clipped the top of off-stump.
Read Also | AUS vs SA WTC Final 2025 LIVE Streaming: When and Where To Watch Australia vs South Africa Final Live in India (VIDEO)
Earlier in the day, Beau Webster top-scored for Australia with 72. Steve Smith added 66. Alex Carey made 23 but was bowled trying to reverse-sweep Keshav Maharaj after tea. Rabada ran through the tail, taking the last three wickets quickly. Marco Jansen supported with 3 for 49.
The second day will be crucial for South Africa as they look to avoid a first-innings collapse and stay in the contest.
Brief scores:
Australia 212 all out in 56.4 overs (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5-51, Marco Jansen 3-49)
South Africa 43/4 in 22 overs (Ryan Rickelton 16; Mitchell Starc 2-10, Josh Hazlewood 1-10)
Australia lead by 169 runs
