By Kevin Rademeyer.
The World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia got off to a thrilling start at Lord’s, as 14 wickets fell on a dramatic opening day. While Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket masterclass lit up the historic ground, it was Australia who seized control, closing the day with South Africa struggling at 43 for 4 in reply to their 212 all out.
Rabada was the standout performer for South Africa, claiming 5 for 56 and earning a coveted place on the Lord’s Home Team Honours Board. The first South African to have his name on both the home and away boards. His searing pace, aggression, and control in the final session brought back memories of past greats , a performance for the ages.
“I could see blood in his eyes,” said teammate Marco Jansen. “He was unbelievable today. When KG gets that rhythm, he’s unstoppable.”
This was Rabada’s 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, and it couldn’t have come on a bigger stage. Despite his heroics, however, the Proteas found themselves in deep trouble by the end of play — reeling under the pressure of Australia’s fearsome pace attack.
Earlier, Australia’s innings was anchored by a composed 66 from Steve Smith, who showed his class once again under testing conditions. He was supported by debutant Beau Webster, who played with maturity beyond his experience, scoring a valuable 72.
“Two good bowling outfits, it was tough work for the batters,” said Webster after the close. “We’ve got a score on the board, and to grab four scalps at the end of the day, I think we’re pretty happy. There was plenty of seam movement, and with our backs against the wall, the quicks came out firing.”
South Africa had early momentum, with Jansen and Markram removing Labuschagne, Head and Smith to leave Australia on 67 for 4 at one stage. But the middle session saw the tide turn, as Smith and Webster added 91 crucial runs. Australia’s lower order failed to resist Rabada’s late burst, but the damage had been done.
Australia’s fast bowlers then turned the screw, unleashing pace and precision under grey skies. Mitchell Starc struck with the very first ball of the innings, dismissing Aiden Markram for a duck. From there, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood systematically dismantled the top order, exploiting every inch of the Lord’s slope and seam.
“It did surprise me how big their bowlers seem,” observed Sir Alastair Cook in commentary. “They bowled very well, and I wonder if South Africa missed a trick not fighting back a bit harder.”
“They came out all guns blazing,” said South African coach Shukri Conrad. “That’s what champion teams do. But it’s not over. We’ve been in tough situations before. The first session tomorrow is massive.”
At 43 for 4, South Africa trail by 169 runs and will resume with David Bedingham (8)* and captain Temba Bavuma (4)* at the crease. The Proteas need a partnership — and quickly. The lower middle order, which includes Verreynne, Jansen, and Maharaj, will be critical in their bid to claw back into the contest.
“Australia are far ahead at the moment,” admitted Jansen, “but it’s not impossible. We’ve got guys who can score quickly. If they get in, I’m confident we can get some runs.”
Score Summary at Stumps, Day 1:
Australia 1st Innings: 212 all out (Webster 72, Smith 66; Rabada 5-56, Jansen 3-49)
South Africa 1st Innings: 43/4 (Starc 2-9, Cummins 1-12, Hazlewood 1-15).