Lord’s witnessed a thrilling opening day of the ICC World Test Championship final, with a staggering 14 wickets falling as bowlers from both South Africa and Australia took centre stage.
The highly anticipated “Ultimate Test” more than lived up to expectations, delivering intense drama, high-quality bowling, and gripping momentum swings that kept fans riveted throughout.
South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada delivered a bowling masterclass, clinching his 17th Test five-wicket haul with figures of 5/51.
He was ably supported by left-armer Marco Jansen, who chipped in with 3/49. Together, the duo tore through Australia’s batting order, bundling them out for just 212 after Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first under overcast skies.
The morning session belonged to South Africa, who had Australia reeling at 67/4 by lunch. Key wickets fell early, including David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne (17), and Aiden Markram, while Jansen’s dismissal of Travis Head (11) just before the break tilted the scales further in the Proteas’ favour.
However, Australia—defending champions of the World Test Championship—mounted a spirited recovery. Steve Smith (66) and debutant Beau Webster (72) combined for a vital partnership that steadied the innings, lifting Australia to 190/5 by tea and threatening to shift the game’s momentum.
But Rabada and Jansen returned with renewed intensity after the interval, dismantling the lower order. The final five wickets fell for just 22 runs, as Australia collapsed from a promising position, handing South Africa a significant early advantage.
Yet, the drama was far from over. Australia’s world-class pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood struck back with venom, reducing South Africa to 43/4 by stumps.
The Proteas top order crumbled under relentless pressure, and only captain Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) survived to the close, with their side still trailing by 169 runs.
The day showcased the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, influenced by skill, resilience, and the ever-changing London weather.
With the match finely balanced and the World Test Championship mace on the line, Day 2 promises another enthralling chapter.
Both teams had declared their XIs in advance, with South Africa opting for Lungi Ngidi and Australia promoting Labuschagne as an opener—decisions that could prove pivotal in the days ahead.