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Australia Fight Back with Pace After Rabada’s Five-Wicket Haul at Lord’s
14 Wickets Fall on Gripping Day 1 of the WTC Test Final Between Australia and South Africa
On a thrilling opening day of the World Test Championship clash at Lord’s Cricket Ground, bowlers dominated proceedings as 14 wickets fell, setting the tone for what promises to be a gripping contest. Australia, led by gritty half-centuries from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, posted 212 before Kagiso Rabada’s 5-for and Marco Jansen’s three wickets brought the innings to a sudden halt.
But the drama didn’t stop there. Australia’s elite pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins responded fiercely, reducing South Africa to 43/4 by Stumps, swinging momentum back in the Aussies’ favor.
Rabada and Jansen Rip Through Australia’s Middle Order
Disciplined Bowling on a Cloudy Morning
After Temba Bavuma elected to bowl under overcast conditions, Rabada and Jansen made full use of the movement on offer. Rabada, in particular, was fiery and economical, beginning with three consecutive maidens. He eventually drew the edge from Usman Khawaja, who fell for a 20-ball duck, and soon after dismissed Cameron Green, thanks to a sharp catch by Aiden Markram.
Despite resistance from Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, South Africa kept chipping away. Jansen returned to remove Labuschagne and then dismissed Travis Head on the final ball before Lunch. Rabada, meanwhile, continued troubling batters with his sharp lines and lengths. The initial Australian resistance eventually crumbled under pressure.
For deeper analysis on Australian batting collapses in recent Tests, click here for our detailed match breakdown.
Smith and Webster Steady the Ship Before Late Collapse
Crucial 79-Run Stand in the Second Session
Following Head’s dismissal, Smith took charge, attacking Keshav Maharaj and dispatching Rabada for boundaries with well-timed cuts. He brought up his half-century while building a much-needed stand with Beau Webster, who benefitted from a couple of missed chances and poor South African reviews.
Webster found his rhythm after surviving a leg-before call against Jansen and began rotating strike efficiently. The pair added 79 runs for the fifth wicket, but just when it looked like Australia would seize control, Markram got Smith to edge one to slip, triggering another mini-collapse.
South Africa’s bowling review strategy backfired again, notably when replays showed Webster had edged the ball, not missed it with the pad. A partnership of 46 runs with Alex Carey kept the scoreboard moving, but it didn’t last long into the final session.
Australia Lose Last Five for 22: Rabada Finishes with Five-for
After Carey’s reverse sweep attempt ended in disaster against Maharaj, the lower order caved quickly. Cummins fell immediately to Rabada, and though Webster tried to counter-attack with pulls and glances, Rabada had him nicking to first slip. Jansen and Rabada mopped up the tail, ensuring Australia were bowled out for 212.
This performance marked Rabada’s 14th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, underlining his stature as one of the best red-ball bowlers in the modern era.
Australia’s Pace Battery Hits Back Hard
Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood Rattle South Africa’s Top Order
If South Africa felt confident after skittling out Australia, they were in for a rude shock. Mitchell Starc struck in his very first over, dismissing Aiden Markram for a six-ball duck with a delivery that jagged in and chopped onto the stumps.
Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder tried to rebuild but found no respite from relentless pace. Mulder survived a few scares, including an outside edge that fell short of slip and a dropped catch by Alex Carey, but eventually fell to a sharp nip-backer from Cummins. Rickelton edged to first slip off Starc, while Tristan Stubbs was cleaned up by Hazlewood with the new ball swinging.
Bavuma himself struggled, taking 30 deliveries for his first run, narrowly surviving a couple of edges. South Africa, already four down at 43, face a daunting second day.
For South Africa’s recent performances and squad insights, refer to South Africa Men’s Fixtures on ICC’s official site.
What’s Ahead on Day 2?
Australia hold a lead of 169 runs, and with overcast conditions expected again, the onus will be on Cummins and Co. to exploit the conditions further. South Africa’s hope lies in a middle-order revival and resistance from Bavuma, but they’ll have to overcome one of the most lethal pace attacks in modern Test cricket.
