SA vs AUS ICC WTC 2025 Final Day 1 Highlights: Fast Bowlers Dominate As Australia Edge Forward

Australia look in a comfortable spot at the end of Day 1's play at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London on June 11 during the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final. South Africa won the toss and due to the overcast conditions, opted to bowl first. Kagiso Rabada gave them a good start as he dismissed opener Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over. As Australia looked to rebuild, they lost Marnus Labuschagne to Marco Jansen. By the end of the first session, Jansen also dismissed Travis Head, powering South Africa ahead. In the second session, Australia came back strong with Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) both scoring half-centuries. Aiden Markram dismissed Smith and Keshav Maharaj dismissed Alex Carey. From there, Australia collapsed and Rabada (5/51) ended with a five-wicket haul and South Africa bowled out Australia for 212. In response, Mitchell Starc scalped two wickets early dismissing Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined in as well cleaning up Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs. By the end of the day, captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were out on the crease and South Africa were at 43/4.