London [UK], June 11 : International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah expressed his feelings after ringing the bell at London's iconic Lord's stadium on Wednesday, where the World Test Championship (WTC) final is taking place between South Africa and Australia.
Taking to his official social media handle, X, Jay Shah wrote, "A privilege to ring the bell at the historic Lord's ground before the start of play on day one of the @icc World Test Championship final between @ProteasMenCSA and @CricketAus."
https://x.com/JayShah/status/1932760853801283606
Coming to the match, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bowl first. A fiery opening spell by Kagiso Rabada set the tone for South Africa, who ended the first session of day one.
Openers Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne struggled against the movement generated by Proteas quicks Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, and the ball beat their bats plenty of times.
In the seventh over, Rabada dealt Aussies a huge blow as Khawaja, the team's top run-getter in this WTC cycle, perished for a 20-ball duck. A thick edge off his bat went into the hands of David Bedingham at slips. Australia was 12/1 in 6.3 overs.
Cameron Green came to bat at number three. Australia's move to have a new-look top-order backfired as after a four, a fine catch by Aiden Markram at slips removed him from the equation for just four runs in three balls. Australia was 16/2 in seven overs.
Smith was with Marnus Labuschagne at the crease. The duo started to build a partnership, taking on South African bowlers well, who also had their moments. Smith got some boundaries against pace, keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Just when things looked to settle down, one, Labuschagne edged one to wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreyne, dismissed for 17 in 56 balls. Australia was 46/3 in 18 overs. Marco Jansen got his first wicket.
Aussies' hopes now rested on heroes of the 2023 WTC final against India, Smith and Travis Head. A fine slash by Head helped Australia reach the 50-run mark in 20 overs.
However, Jansen put an end to Head's brief appearance, removing him for 11 in 13 balls after being caught by the keeper. Australia was 67/4 and the lunch was taken at that point.
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