ISLAMABAD: Mitchell Starc turned the momentum in Australia’s favor as the defending champions launched a fierce comeback against South Africa on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s.
After a modest total of 212, Australia’s pace attack responded decisively, reducing South Africa to 43-4 at stumps.
Rabada Shines, But Aussies Strike Back
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and sent Australia in to bat under overcast skies, a decision that quickly paid off.
Kagiso Rabada led the Proteas’ charge with a fiery spell of 5-51, dismantling the Australian top order and leaving them reeling at 67-4 by lunch.
However, Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) stabilized the innings with a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Australia’s innings crumbled again late in the day, losing their final five wickets for just 20 runs, as Rabada completed a five-wicket haul and surpassed Allan Donald’s career tally of 330 Test wickets.
Australia’s Bowling Turns the Tide
In reply, South Africa’s top order faltered under relentless pace.
Mitchell Starc made early inroads, removing Aiden Markram for a duck and Ryan Rickelton for 16, finishing the day with superb figures of 2-10 in 7 overs.
Captain Pat Cummins bowled Wiaan Mulder after a cautious 6 from 44 balls, and Josh Hazlewood dismissed Tristan Stubbs before the close of play.
With South Africa trailing by 169 runs and only six wickets in hand, the pressure is now squarely on their middle order to stage a comeback on Day 2.
