Proteas on the Back Foot After Tumultuous First Day at Lord’s

London – June 11, 2025

The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia lived up to its billing on Day 1, with the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessing a see-saw battle dominated by relentless pace bowling and shifting momentum. At the close of play, South Africa were reeling at 43 for 4 in response to Australia’s 212, trailing by 169 runs in what has already become an enthralling contest.

Opting to bowl first under overcast skies and with floodlights in full glow, South African captain Temba Bavuma made an assertive decision that paid immediate dividends. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were in imperious form, combining for eight wickets to bowl out the defending champions in just over two sessions. Rabada, returning to the international spotlight after recent personal controversies, led the charge with a superb 5 for 51—his second five-wicket haul at Lord’s—while Jansen provided a potent left-arm foil, claiming 3 for 49.

South Africa had Australia on the ropes at 67 for 4 by lunch. Rabada’s probing wobble seam accounted for both Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over, while Jansen dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and snared Travis Head with the final ball of the session thanks to a spectacular one-handed catch by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne down the leg side.

The Proteas’ command was tested in the middle session as Steve Smith and Beau Webster, at opposite ends of experience, forged a vital 79-run partnership. Smith’s composed 66, taking his career tally at Lord’s to 591 runs—the most by any visiting batter at the ground—was a hallmark of class, while Webster, playing in only his second Test, counterpunched effectively for a top-score of 72.

However, South Africa’s bowlers roared back in the final session. Keshav Maharaj broke the stand with the dismissal of Alex Carey, before Rabada and Jansen wrapped up the tail swiftly, removing the last five wickets for just 20 runs. It was a well-earned standing ovation for Rabada, whose fiery spell reflected both skill and a desire to answer critics with performance.

Yet the Proteas’ disciplined work with the ball was undone by a ruthless Australian pace attack in the fading afternoon sun. Mitchell Starc struck twice early, removing Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton in quick succession. Pat Cummins then breached Wiaan Mulder’s defence with a sharp delivery, while Josh Hazlewood castled Tristan Stubbs to leave South Africa staggering at 25 for 4.

Captain Bavuma, who endured a nervous start and took 31 balls to get off the mark, ended the day unbeaten on 3 alongside David Bedingham (8*), who struck two late boundaries to at least halt the Australian momentum—if only briefly. The pair will resume on Day 2 with the daunting task of narrowing the 169-run deficit and steering South Africa back into the contest.

For a side still seeking its first ICC trophy this century, the opening day was a stark reminder of the margins at this level. South Africa’s bowlers delivered a statement, but their batters now face a stern test of resilience and temperament against a battle-hardened Australian unit hungry to defend their WTC crown.

Day 2 promises further drama as the Proteas look to claw their way back into contention, their hopes resting on the shoulders of a captain under pressure and a middle-order still finding its feet on the biggest stage.