Cricholic
📊 Brief Scores
Australia – 212 all out
(Webster 72, Smith 66; Rabada 5/51, Jansen 3/49)
South Africa – 43/4
(Rickelton 16; Starc 2/10, Cummins 1/14, Hazlewood 1/10)
Australia lead by 169 runs
🌩️ Rabada Rips Through Australia at Lord’s
Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s witnessed high drama as Rabada delivered a lethal performance, grabbing a five-wicket haul to bowl Australia out for just 212. South Africa’s pacers, especially Rabada and Marco Jansen, capitalized on a helpful pitch under overcast skies after Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first.
The early damage was swift. Usman Khawaja departed for a 20-ball duck, edging Rabada to first slip. Cameron Green, promoted to No. 3, couldn’t make an impact either, falling to a brilliant Markram catch. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith tried to rebuild, but Jansen returned to remove Labuschagne before lunch.
🧱 Webster and Smith Rebuild Briefly
Post-lunch, Australia started showing signs of recovery. Smith, ever dependable in crunch games, struck a fluent half-century. He was joined by Beau Webster, who overcame a shaky start to play confidently. Together, they added 79 crucial runs for the fifth wicket, helping Australia claw back into the contest.
Webster rode his luck—surviving a couple of close lbw shouts and a missed review—and eventually brought up a brisk fifty. However, just when things looked steady, Smith edged one to slip, and the innings quickly spiraled.
🔁 Rabada Returns to Clean Up the Tail
Australia’s post-Tea collapse was largely engineered by Rabada, who came back for his second spell with fire in his eyes. He dismissed Smith, then later had Webster caught in the slips. Rabada’s final act came when he knocked over Mitchell Starc, sealing a spectacular 5-wicket haul.
The Proteas bowled with discipline and aggression, and Rabada’s spell stood out for both economy and impact. His 18-over effort, with six maidens and just 51 runs conceded, ensured South Africa walked off with a slight upper hand.
💥 Starc, Cummins Turn the Tide
However, the day was far from over. Australia’s pace battery roared back in the final session. Mitchell Starc removed Aiden Markram early, while Cummins and Hazlewood kept the pressure on. Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs both fell cheaply, unable to cope with the relentless pace and movement.
South Africa stumbled to 43/4 at Stumps, with Rickelton offering the only notable resistance with 16 runs. Despite Rabada’s brilliance earlier, the Proteas now trail by 169 runs and are in danger of conceding a first-innings lead.
⚖️ Match Hangs in the Balance
While Rabada gave South Africa early dominance, the Aussies struck back late in the day. With both sides exchanging punches, the Test remains delicately poised heading into Day 2. Much will depend on how the middle-order handles Australia’s pacers in the morning.
Rabada’s efforts, though, have already lit up the final and put him in contention for Player of the Match if South Africa can recover and make a game of it.
