South Africa bowlers draw early blood as Australia loses 3 wickets in the first session of Day 1 in the World Test Championship Final
Temba Bavuma, who won the toss, opted to field first due to overcast conditions at Lord's. Australia's opening batters, Usman Khawaja and his new partner Marnus Labuschagne, made their way into the middle of a fully packed Lord's Cricket Ground. Kagiso Rabada took the new ball to open the attack for the Proteas.
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Composed Start from the Proteas Bowlers
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen opened the bowling for South Africa. It was a slow and steady start from Usman Khawaja, who took his time to counter the early movement off the surface. Meanwhile, Marnus began picking up runs from the other end. Both Jansen and Rabada had clearly done their homework, maintaining a patient and consistent line and length that troubled Khawaja.
Kagiso Rabada Delivers in the Big Final
The persistent line outside off to the left-hander finally paid off, as Rabada struck first—Khawaja was dismissed for 0 (16) with a good catch at slips by David Bedingham.
Cameron Green walked in next and started with a boundary but fell quickly. Rabada got him with a full delivery that shaped away late, and Aiden Markram took a sharp low catch at slip. South Africa inflicted serious early damage, taking two wickets in one over. At the end of 7 overs, Australia were reeling at 16/2.
Steve Smith arrived at the crease to a huge ovation as South Africa held the early advantage. Smith and Labuschagne were cautious, trying to leave as many balls as possible. Temba Bavuma then rotated his bowlers, bringing in Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder. Both bowled with discipline according to the field settings and managed to beat the bat on occasion. At the end of 13 overs, Australia were 29/2.
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South Africa Dominates the First Session
Smith and Marnus managed to find a few boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. But Marco Jansen, reintroduced into the attack, struck again—this time removing Labuschagne for 17 (56). A late movement outside off found the edge, and Kyle Verreynne completed a comfortable catch behind the stumps. Australia were in deep trouble at 46/3 after 18 overs.
Travis Head joined Steve Smith in the middle, with Australia needing a partnership. Head, known for his aggressive starts, began with a four but didn't last long. Jansen, whose only poor ball of the session turned out to be a blessing in disguise, angled one into the left-hander. Head edged it, and Verreynne pulled off a brilliant catch behind the stumps to dismiss him for 11 (13).
The session ends with 67/4 in 23.2 overs. This session belongs to South Africa as they did their homework so well and delivered big time through Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who set the tone and were well complemented by Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, Their outstanding catching was a key factor in claiming four wickets before lunch.
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