The World Test Championship Final began with high drama as 14 wickets fell on Day 1. Australia were all out for 212, while South Africa struggled in reply, finishing at 43 for 4 in a tense, low-scoring contest.
Australia and South Africa in Tough Battle as 14 Wickets Fall at Lord’s
The World Test Championship Final 2023–25 got off to a thrilling and dramatic start at Lord’s Cricket Ground in England on Wednesday. A total of 14 wickets fell on the first day, showing just how intense this match is going to be.
Australia, the defending champions, were bowled out for 212 runs after choosing to bat first. In reply, South Africa, playing in their first-ever WTC final, struggled and finished the day at 43 for 4, still 169 runs behind.
South Africa’s Bowlers Shine in First Session
South Africa made an impressive start with the ball. Australian batters Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne were clearly uncomfortable from the beginning. The South African pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen gave them a tough time, delivering balls that were fast and hard to handle.
Khawaja was out for 0 after facing 20 balls, caught at slip off Rabada in the 7th over. On the very last ball of that over, Cameron Green was also dismissed, caught at second slip. Labuschagne managed just 17 off 56 balls before being caught behind off Jansen.
Travis Head, another key batter, was also caught behind after scoring 11 from 13 balls, again off Jansen. Australia lost four wickets before the lunch break, making it a strong session for South Africa.
Australia Fights Back in the Middle
In the second session, Steve Smith and Beau Webster tried to bring Australia back into the game with a 79-run partnership. Smith scored a solid 66 off 112 balls, but he was caught at slip off Jansen.
Webster continued to fight and scored 72 runs from 92 balls, the top score for Australia. He shared another useful stand of 46 runs with Alex Carey, who made 23 from 31 balls. However, after Webster’s dismissal, the rest of the batters couldn’t add much, and Australia were bowled out in just 56.4 overs.
Australia Hits Back with the Ball
South Africa also had a difficult time with the bat. Aiden Markram was bowled for a duck in the first over by Mitchell Starc. Starc then took the second wicket in the 9th over, removing Ryan Rickelton for 16 runs.
Wiaan Mulder scored only 6 runs before being bowled by Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood dismissed Tristan Stubbs for just 2 runs.
By the end of Day 1, South Africa were 43 for 4 in 22 overs, setting up a tense second day in the final.
What’s Next?
With both teams losing key wickets early, the match is wide open. South Africa will need a big effort from their middle-order batters, while Australia will aim to keep the pressure on. The final is shaping up to be a true test of skill and nerves.
