Australia vs South Africa: WTC Final 2025 Day 1 Highlights & Rivalry Breakdown
In a pulsating opening to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, South Africa took the upper hand on Day 1 at Lord’s, London. Their fiery pacers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, ripped through the Australian top order, leaving the defending champions on the back foot.
🔥 Day 1 Highlights: South Africa Stuns Australia
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl in overcast conditions — a decision that proved wise. Rabada removed Usman Khawaja for a duck and dismissed Cameron Green cheaply. Jansen then struck twice, removing Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. Australia went into lunch at a precarious 67/4.
After the break, Steve Smith showed grit, taking the score to 83/4 with Beau Webster at the other end. Smith reached 41* off 66 balls, stabilizing the innings, but with South Africa still firmly in control.
🇿🇦 Rabada and Jansen: A Deadly Duo
Kagiso Rabada returned to international cricket following a one-month suspension, motivated and focused. His 2/24 spell before lunch was a game-changer. Marco Jansen provided the perfect support, swinging the ball both ways and striking crucial blows.
By 27.3 overs, Australia’s score was 83/4, with South Africa looking to push further in the second session.
📊 Score Summary at Lunch – Day 1
- Australia: 67/4 in 23.2 overs
- Top scorers: Steve Smith 26*, Labuschagne 14
- South Africa bowlers: Rabada 2/9, Jansen 2/28
📌 What to Watch in Session 2 & Beyond
Can Smith and Webster mount a strong resistance? Will South Africa maintain their intensity? The second session holds the key.
📖 A Historic Rivalry: Australia vs South Africa
The Australia vs South Africa Test rivalry is one of cricket’s fiercest, with 101 matches played:
- Australia wins: 54
- South Africa wins: 26
- Draws: 21
Their last face-off at Lord’s was over a century ago in 1912, when Australia won by 10 wickets. Fast forward to 2025, and the rivalry has matured, especially after the controversial Sandpaper Gate in 2018, which changed both teams forever.
🏆 WTC Stakes: Redemption vs Dominance
Australia is aiming to defend their WTC title, while South Africa is reaching their first WTC final ever. The winner takes home USD $3.6 million, the highest-ever Test prize.
Pat Cummins is leading a disciplined Australian side, while Temba Bavuma’s captaincy has brought stability and purpose to South Africa.
🌍 Strategic Analysis
- Australia’s reshuffled batting has not paid off — Green and Khawaja out early.
- South Africa’s pacers exploited English conditions to perfection.
- Spin may play a role on Day 3 and beyond as the pitch wears down.
As the afternoon session progresses, the pressure continues to build on Australia’s middle order. While Steve Smith remains the linchpin of the innings, showing flashes of brilliance with textbook drives and late cuts, Beau Webster’s composure is being tested by the relentless probing of South Africa’s seamers. The overhead conditions continue to aid swing, and every run feels hard-earned. With the ball still relatively new and Rabada bowling with venom, a breakthrough could tilt the momentum further. For Australia to post a competitive total in the first innings, this partnership must blossom, and the tail will need to wag with intent.
💬 Expert Opinions
AB de Villiers: “If South Africa bats responsibly, they have the edge.”
Michael Clarke: “Australia has the depth, but they can’t afford another collapse.”
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🧠 Final Word
Australia vs South Africa has always delivered drama, skill, and historic moments. Day 1 of the WTC Final 2025 has only added to that legacy, with South Africa striking early and hard. The next sessions could reshape the narrative—but as it stands, South Africa has made a serious statement at Lord’s.
Stay tuned for Day 2 updates as we continue our coverage of the WTC Final 2025.
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