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June 12, 2025
London, June 12, 2025 – The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final between South Africa and Australia at Lord’s lived up to its billing as a bowler’s paradise on Day 1, with a staggering 14 wickets falling for just 255 runs. While both teams displayed moments of brilliance with the bat, it was the pacers who dominated the proceedings, leading to several intriguing records and statistical milestones.
South Africa, winning the toss and electing to bowl in overcast, bowler-friendly conditions, asserted their dominance early on. However, Australia fought back with some resilience before the Proteas pacers eventually cleaned them up. The day ended with Australia all out for 212, and South Africa reeling at 43/4, trailing by 169 runs.
Here’s a look at the key records and notable events from Day 1:
A Rare Batting Duck Record in England:
Both Teams’ Number One Batters Dismissed for a Duck: In a truly rare occurrence in Test cricket, especially in England, both Australia’s number one batter, Usman Khawaja, and South Africa’s number one batter, Aiden Markram, were dismissed for ducks. This is reportedly the first time in 145 years of Test cricket in England that the top batter from both sides has been out for a duck. Overall, this has only happened 10 times in Test history. Usman Khawaja was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, while Aiden Markram fell to Mitchell Starc in the very first over of South Africa’s innings.
Kagiso Rabada’s Masterclass:
17th Five-Wicket Haul for Rabada: South African spearhead Kagiso Rabada was in sensational form, tearing through the Australian batting lineup to claim his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His brilliant spell was instrumental in restricting Australia to a modest total.
Mitchell Starc’s Impact with the New Ball:
Vintage Starc with Early Breakthroughs: Mitchell Starc, known for his ability to strike early, delivered a superb opening spell for Australia. He dismissed Aiden Markram for a duck in the very first over and later accounted for Ryan Rickelton, showcasing his knack for picking up wickets with the new ball. Starc’s sustained spell of seven overs, including three maidens, for just 10 runs and two wickets, was a testament to his class.
Resilience from Steve Smith and Beau Webster:
Crucial Partnership: Despite the early collapse, Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) played vital innings for Australia, stitching together a crucial 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This stand helped Australia recover from a precarious position of 67/4 at lunch and post a respectable total of 212.
Webster’s Second Test Half-Century: Beau Webster’s resilient 72 was his second half-century in Test cricket, coming at a crucial juncture for Australia.
Smith’s 42nd Test Fifty: Steve Smith continued his consistent run with the bat, bringing up his 42nd Test half-century, providing much-needed stability to the Australian innings.
Overall Bowling Dominance:
14 Wickets on Day 1: The fact that 14 wickets fell across 78.4 overs, for a combined total of 255 runs, highlights the dominance of the bowlers on this Lord’s pitch. Both pace attacks exploited the conditions effectively, making life difficult for the batsmen.
South Africa’s Early Control: South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid off, as they claimed four wickets in the first session and eventually bowled Australia out for 212. Marco Jansen also chipped in with three wickets for the Proteas.
Australia’s Fightback with the Ball: Not to be outdone, the Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood responded strongly in the final session, rattling South Africa’s top order by picking up four quick wickets.
Day 1 of the WTC 2025 Final was a compelling display of Test cricket, where the ball held sway over the bat, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the days to come.
