LONDON, JUNE 11, 2025 — A highly anticipated clash at the “Home of Cricket” turned into a nightmare start for Australia as South Africa’s fierce pace attack tore through their top order on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s.
After winning the toss and boldly choosing to bowl first, the Proteas struck early — and hard — leaving Australia gasping at 37/2 by stumps. The scoreboard may look calm, but the day was anything but.
💥 Early Collapse: Aussies Under the Pump
Australia’s top order failed to fire under cloudy London skies. Here’s how the wickets tumbled:
- Usman Khawaja departed for a painful duck after 20 deliveries, poked into thin air by Rabada’s venomous line.
- Cameron Green, promoted up the order, smacked a four but was gone in three balls — a risky move gone wrong.
- Marnus Labuschagne (17 off 41) and Steven Smith (13 off 22) managed to hold the fort, but the Proteas were breathing fire all through.
🎯 Rabada Reigns Supreme
Kagiso Rabada was an absolute menace, delivering six overs of sheer destruction:
- 6 overs, 4 maidens, 9 runs, 2 wickets, economy: 1.50
His aggressive rhythm, precision, and lethal swing made life miserable for Aussie batters.
Supporting him were:
- Marco Jansen, who bowled economically but went wicketless.
- Lungi Ngidi, a touch expensive but troubling with bounce.
- Wiaan Mulder, with one tidy maiden, tested the waters quietly.
🧠 Tactical Genius or Risky Gamble?
Electing to bowl first in a final is always a gamble. But South Africa backed their strength — fast bowling — and it’s already paying dividends. The green tinge on the pitch, overcast conditions, and early swing gave the bowlers exactly what they needed.
The Aussies, on the other hand, may have misread the pitch or simply underestimated the intensity South Africa brought into this final. Whatever the reason — they now walk into Day 2 with pressure rising.
📊 Extra Angle: Points Table Background
Interestingly, both these teams were neck-and-neck in earlier ICC events this year. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a rain-washed encounter in Rawalpindi left both sides with a point each. However, South Africa topped Group B courtesy of a superior Net Run Rate — and they’ve brought that same fire into Lord’s.
🧨 What’s Next?
With Smith and Labuschagne still at the crease, all eyes will be on Australia’s counter-attack on Day 2. Can the middle order rescue them from this early slump? Or will South Africa tighten the noose further and rewrite their Test legacy?