First of all, both sides were the stars of the World Test Championship Final, which took place at the storied Lord’s. Cricket fans witnessed sheer excitement from Day 1 onwards.
1. Toss and Conditions
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first under the overcast circumstances. This decision paid off brilliantly because the ball swung and nipped around Lord’s slope. In fact, 14 wickets fell in a single day, making the scene highly dramatic.
2. South Africa’s Pacers Shine
Kagiso Rabada unleashed a ferocious spell first thing, picking up 5 wickets for 51 runs. He also surpassed Allan Donald to become the nation’s fourth-highest wicket-taker. His first three overs were all maidens—spectacular!
Marco Jansen also played his part by bagging three wickets while exploiting the movement. Consequently, the Proteas completely rattled Australia’s top order
3. Australia’s Rescue by Middle Order
Australia’s innings looked shaky at the start. But Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) maintained the ship. They formed a determined 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Even so, after tea, South Africa’s bowlers pinned Australia back, finishing the innings at 212 all out in 56.4 overs.
4. South Africa’s Start: Rocky but Resilient
When batting, South Africa lost wickets in the first innings itself. They are still down by 169 runs after going 43 for 4 at stumps. But they showed courage.
On Day 2, Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham, the new pair, added a crucial 64-run stand, raising hopes of a comeback. By lunch, they had reached 121/5, reducing the lead to 91 runs.
5. Australia Strikes Back
Australia responded strongly. Mitchell Starc took two wickets. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins both claimed one wicket. They together dented South Africa’s hopes.
Still, South Africa gained some resilience through Bavuma’s more positive batting approach. He survived a tight DRS review and drove the first six of the match.
Why This Match Matters
- Historic Performances
- Rabada’s 5-fer at Lord’s recalled his 2022 heroics and made history by surpassing Allan Donald—the feat was rare, with only one other bowler having a fifer in a WTC final.
- Rabada’s 5-fer at Lord’s recalled his 2022 heroics and made history by surpassing Allan Donald—the feat was rare, with only one other bowler having a fifer in a WTC final.
- Unpredictable Batting
- Despite Australia’s spectacular collapse, Smith and Webster saved the innings under duress.
- Despite Australia’s spectacular collapse, Smith and Webster saved the innings under duress.
- Tight Competition
- By Day 2, South Africa clawed back yet remained under pressure, setting the scene for a gripping Test
- By Day 2, South Africa clawed back yet remained under pressure, setting the scene for a gripping Test
- Conditions Are a Deciding Factor
- Batsmen were taxed by the bowler-friendly surface, Duke’s ball, and Lord’s slope. Variations helped bowlers shine—Smith himself noted that bounce would deliver more wickets.
Up Next
On Day 3 and beyond, both sides have big tasks ahead:
- Australia will look to break partnerships early and push their lead further.
- South Africa requires a strong middle-order alliance in order to continue playing.
In Simple Terms
- Bowling dominated Day 1: Rabada fired up, Aussies collapsed.
- Batting resilience saved teams: Smith/Webster for Aus; Bavuma/Bedingham for SA.
- A close battle continues: South Africa trails by 90–odd runs but remains in the game.
- Pitch and conditions made play unpredictable, favouring bowlers more.
Conclusion:
This Lord’s Test lives up to the build-up. With world‑class bowling duels, tense run chases and historic milestones, the contest looks set to stay tight. Now, as both teams fight for supremacy, fans in India and beyond can expect an edge-of-the-seat finish in classical cricket style.
Stay tuned, because the rest of this final promises drama, brilliance and cricketing magic at its finest.