WTC Final Day 1: Rabada and Aussie Pacers Shine as 14 Wickets Fall at Lord’s
Cricket fans were treated to a thrilling Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The match between Australia and South Africa unfolded as a gripping contest dominated by fast bowlers, with a staggering 14 wickets falling on a pitch that offered excellent bounce and lateral movement. The conditions at Lord’s, combined with the Dukes ball and overcast skies, created the perfect battleground for seamers, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive final.
Rabada's Fiery Spell Stuns Australia
The standout performer of the day was South Africa’s premier fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada. His sensational 5-wicket haul (5-51) ripped through Australia’s batting lineup, exploiting the slope at Lord’s and the cloudy conditions to devastating effect. Rabada’s pace, swing, and relentless accuracy troubled every Australian batter, making him the undeniable star of the innings.
Key wickets in Rabada’s fiery spell included:
- Usman Khawaja, bowled through the gate with a sharp delivery
- Steve Smith, caught behind off an away swinger
- Travis Head, undone by sharp bounce and pace
Rabada’s relentless attack ensured Australia were bowled out for just 178 runs before tea, a masterclass in Test match bowling that reaffirmed his status as one of the world’s best fast bowlers. His performance was pivotal in giving South Africa the upper hand early in the WTC Final 2025.
Australia’s Seam Trio Strikes Back
Just when it seemed South Africa might dominate, Australia’s pace attack fought back fiercely. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood combined superbly to dismantle South Africa’s top order, showcasing tactical precision and relentless aggression.
South Africa ended Day 1 at 89/4, with key wickets falling to:
- Dean Elgar, edging to slip off Hazlewood’s probing line
- Aiden Markram, dismissed by a searing yorker from Starc
- Tony de Zorzi, falling to Cummins’ short-pitched barrage
Starc’s use of angle and speed, Hazlewood’s consistent line and length, and Cummins’ bounce kept the South African batters under constant pressure. This fightback by the Australian bowlers ensured the WTC Final Day 1 remained finely balanced and highly engaging.
Pitch and Conditions at Lord’s Favor Seamers
The pitch at Lord’s lived up to its reputation as a seamer-friendly surface, especially on Day 1 under overcast skies. Both captains acknowledged the challenging conditions, with South Africa’s decision to bowl first proving to be a masterstroke. The lateral movement and inconsistent bounce made batting difficult for both teams.
The Dukes ball, known for its pronounced seam and swing, combined with the famous Lord’s slope, added layers of complexity for the batters. Seamers remained in command throughout the day, making the WTC Final pitch analysis a key talking point among cricket experts and fans alike.
Score Summary - WTC Final Day 1
Australia 1st innings
178 all out
Top scorer: Marnus Labuschagne – 41
Best bowler: Kagiso Rabada – 5/51
South Africa 1st innings (end of Day 1)
89/4
Batting: Temba Bavuma 28* (not out)
Bowling: Starc 2/24, Cummins 1/18, Hazlewood 1/19
What to Expect on Day 2
With South Africa trailing by 89 runs but still holding six wickets in hand, Day 2 promises high-stakes cricket and intense drama. The morning session will be crucial as Australia’s bowlers look to strike early and seize momentum. Their ability to break through South Africa’s middle and lower order could turn the tide in their favor.
Meanwhile, South Africa will aim to consolidate their innings and push for a first-innings lead. The resilience and technique of their middle order will be tested against the relentless Australian pace attack. Fans can expect a gripping battle of skill, strategy, and endurance on Day 2 of the WTC Final at Lord’s.
Conclusion: A Day for the Fast Bowlers at the Home of Cricket
Day 1 of the WTC Final 2025 was a spectacular showcase of elite Test match bowling. Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul, combined with disciplined spells from Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, made for captivating cricket at the home of the game. The match remains finely balanced, with both teams having clear opportunities to take control.
Whether it’s Rabada’s heroics or the Aussie fightback, the WTC Final has started in style — reaffirming why Test cricket remains the ultimate format for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and high-quality cricket action on Day 2 at Lord’s.
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