WTC Final 2025: Bowlers Shine on Dramatic Day 1

WTC Final 2025: The opening day of the World Test Championship Final between Australia and South Africa turned out to be a nightmare for the batters and a dream for the bowlers. A total of 14 wickets fell on Day 1, as both teams struggled to build solid partnerships. The openers from both sides failed to make an impact, setting the tone for a low-scoring, high-intensity battle. Bowlers from each team showcased exceptional skill and control, making it one of the most dramatic opening days in WTC Final history.

WTC Final 2025: Day 1 Belongs to Bowlers as Australia vs South Africa Struggle at Lord’s

The ICC World Test Championship 2025 Final kicked off at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground with high expectations, but it quickly turned into a bowler’s day as wickets tumbled from both sides. South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first, making full use of the overcast English conditions.

Australia All Out for 212

Australia’s batting lineup couldn’t withstand the relentless pace attack of South Africa. They were bowled out for just 212 runs in their first innings. Kagiso Rabada was the star of the day, taking 5 wickets and delivering a match-defining performance. Marco Jansen also contributed significantly with 3 wickets.

Despite the early collapse, Beau Webster stood tall for Australia, playing a gritty knock of 72 runs, while Steve Smith added a valuable 66. Unfortunately for the Aussies, their opening pair completely faltered—Usman Khawaja was dismissed for a duck, and Marnus Labuschagne, opening for the first time, managed only 17 runs.

South Africa’s Top Order Fails Too

Chasing 212, South Africa also found themselves in trouble early on. Their openers were back in the pavilion with just 19 runs on the board. Interestingly, just like Khawaja, Aiden Markram was also dismissed for zero, becoming the victim of Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell.

This rare coincidence made history. For the first time in 561 Test matches played in England, both teams saw their opening batsmen dismissed for ducks in the first innings. Usman Khawaja faced the first ball for Australia, and Aiden Markram faced the first delivery for South Africa—both failing to score. It marked only the 10th time in Test cricket history such a unique event occurred.

Early Collapse Continues for South Africa

South Africa’s batting woes didn’t end with Markram. Ryan Rickelton was the next to fall, dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the 9th over. Shortly after, Wiaan Mulder was bowled by Pat Cummins in the 16th over. The collapse continued when Tristan Stubbs edged one to the slips off Josh Hazlewood in the 21st over. By the end of the day, four of South Africa’s top-order batters were back in the pavilion for just 30 runs.

South Africa Trails by 169 Runs

At the close of play on Day 1, South Africa had scored 43 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, still trailing Australia by 169 runs. Their hopes now rest on captain Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) who are unbeaten at the crease. The team will need a solid partnership from these two to avoid conceding a first-innings lead and handing momentum to Australia.

A Day for the Bowlers

Overall, 14 wickets fell on the opening day of the WTC Final, highlighting the dominance of bowlers under swinging English conditions. With both batting units showing vulnerability, Day 2 promises to be another gripping chapter in this high-stakes encounter.

If South Africa’s middle order doesn’t step up, Australia may well capitalize and take a commanding lead in the game.

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