The third edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) final kicked off on June 11, 2025, at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, pitting defending champions Australia against first-time finalists South Africa. South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast skies, a decision that initially paid dividends as they bowled out Australia for 212.
However, Australia’s pace attack, led by Mitchell Starc, responded with venom, reducing South Africa to 43/4 by the close of play, trailing by 169 runs. Day 1 was a thrilling spectacle, with 14 wickets falling and standout performances from both sides, setting the stage for a fiercely contested final.
Australia’s Innings: A Tale of Resilience and Collapse
Australia’s batting lineup faced immediate pressure from South Africa’s pace attack in seam-friendly conditions. The innings began disastrously, with opener Usman Khawaja dismissed for a duck in the seventh over, edging a Kagiso Rabada delivery to Bedingham at first slip. Marnus Labuschagne, opening for the first time in Tests, struggled to 17 before being caught behind off Marco Jansen. Cameron Green’s brief stay ended with another edge to Markram off Rabada, leaving Australia at a precarious 46/3.
Pic Credits: ESPNcricinfo
The innings was steadied by a vital 79-run fifth-wicket partnership between Steve Smith and Beau Webster. Smith, playing with his trademark composure, scored 66 off 112 balls, mixing solid defense with elegant strokeplay. Webster, initially fortunate to survive an lbw appeal, grew in confidence to top-score with 72 off 92 balls, including 11 fours. Their partnership gave Australia hope of a competitive total, reaching 192/5 just after tea.
However, the tide turned dramatically post-tea. Smith’s uncharacteristic error, attempting to attack a part-time offspin delivery from Markram, resulted in an edge to slip, triggering a collapse. Australia lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs in 35 balls. Alex Carey (23) fell to Maharaj, while Pat Cummins (1), Mitchell Starc (1), and Nathan Lyon (0) were quickly dispatched by Rabada and Jansen. Rabada completed his five-wicket haul by bowling Starc, finishing with figures of 5-51, while Jansen claimed 3-49. Keshav Maharaj and Markram each took a wicket, ensuring South Africa wrapped up Australia’s innings in 56.4 overs.
South Africa’s Innings: Early Wickets and a Fight for Survival
South Africa’s reply began under pressure as Australia’s pace trio of Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood exploited the lingering movement in the pitch. Mitchell Starc struck in the first over, dismissing Aiden Markram for a duck with a searing inswinger that was dragged onto the stumps. Ryan Rickelton showed brief promise, hitting a couple of boundaries, but fell for 16, nicking Starc to Khawaja at first slip.
Wiaan Mulder, promoted to number three, battled hard for 6 but was undone by a Pat Cummins delivery that nipped back to bowl him. Tristan Stubbs, making his WTC final debut, looked composed for his 2 runs but was trapped lbw by a Josh Hazlewood peach that jagged back sharply. At stumps, South Africa were limping at 43/4 after 22 overs, with captain Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) at the crease. Bedingham ended the day on a positive note, guiding two boundaries off Cummins to close out the session. Starc’s 2-10, supported by Cummins (1-14) and Hazlewood (1-10), gave Australia the upper hand.
Key Performances
- Kagiso Rabada: Rabada’s 5-51 was the standout performance of the day. His ability to move the ball both ways and maintain relentless pressure earned him a second entry on the Lord’s honours board. His wickets included key scalps of Khawaja, Green, and Webster, and he now has 18 wickets at Lord’s at a strike rate of 30.2, second only to Glenn McGrath among overseas bowlers.
- Steven Smith: Smith’s 66 was a masterclass in Test batting. His patient approach and ability to rotate the strike kept Australia afloat during a testing period.
- Beau Webster: Webster’s 72 was a revelation. His aggressive strokeplay, particularly after surviving an early lbw scare, provided Australia with a fighting total.
- Mitchell Starc: Starc’s fiery spell of 2-10 in seven overs set the tone for Australia’s fightback, removing both South African openers with precision.
Conditions and Toss
The overcast conditions at Lord’s favored seam bowling early on, with floodlights in use from the start. Bavuma’s decision to bowl first was vindicated as South Africa’s pacers found movement and bounce. As the day progressed, the pitch flattened out under brighter sunshine, but South Africa’s batsmen failed to capitalize, while Australia’s bowlers continued to extract movement in the evening session.
The Lord’s pitch offered significant assistance to fast bowlers early on, with movement and bounce under overcast skies. As the day progressed, the pitch became more batsman-friendly, but Australia’s bowlers ensured South Africa couldn’t settle.
Looking Ahead
Day 2 will be crucial for both teams. South Africa’s middle order, led by Bavuma and Bedingham, must build a substantial partnership to reduce the deficit. Australia, with their potent pace attack, will aim to take early wickets to tighten their grip on the match. The outcome of the next session could shape the course of this final.
Day 1 of the WTC final was a gripping contest, with both teams showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Rabada, dominated early, but Australia’s pace attack fought back to leave the match evenly poised. As Day 2 looms, South Africa will rely on Bavuma and Bedingham to stabilize their innings, while Australia will look to their bowlers to maintain the pressure. With four days remaining, this final promises to be a thrilling battle for the ICC Test mace.
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