Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul led a devastating bowling display as Australia were bowled out for 212 on day one of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s.
South Africa’s decision to bowl first in overcast conditions paid immediate dividends as Rabada removed Khawaja and Green in a fiery opening spell.
Despite counter-attacking fifties from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, Australia collapsed dramatically after tea, losing five wickets for just 20 runs.
Smith’s composed 66 included his 76-ball half-century, making him the highest overseas run-scorer at Lord’s, but his innings ended with a rare dismissal to Aiden Markram.
Webster battled through early lbw scares and crafted a gritty 72, but his dismissal sparked Australia’s late-innings downfall.
Rabada completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Starc, earning his place on the Lord’s honours board for the second time.
Mitchell Starc then struck early in South Africa’s reply, dismissing Markram in the first over before reducing the Proteas to 43/4 by stumps.
Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood added to the pressure, with Cummins clean bowling Mulder and Hazlewood removing Stubbs.
Australia lead by 169 runs heading into day two, with South Africa in deep trouble and only six wickets in hand.
Bowlers ruled day one, with Rabada’s brilliance and Australia’s aggressive pace response making it a thrilling start to the WTC Final.
