Sat. Jun 14th, 2025

Australia, SouthAfrica Set Historic Record in WTC Final at Lord’s

The World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground began with immense excitement, drama, and elite cricketing action as Australia and South Africa engaged in what has been billed as one of the most enthralling Day 1s in Test history. From blistering bowling spells, through unanticipated resolve from batsmen, 14 wickets fell on Day 1, erasing predictability and thus giving breath to the longest format. The day entered the annals of history as both teams faced top-order collapses while making it one of the memorable ones for fans on Live Matches.

Toss Drama and Rabada’s Rampage

The day dawned with South Africa winning the toss and electing to have a bowl under cloudy skies, a decision that paid rich dividends in no time. Kagiso Rabada, perhaps one of the finest Test bowlers in the contemporary era, had a fiery spell that sent shockwaves through the Australian batting line-up. Rabada troubles the Australian top order with his sheer pace, control, and movement of the ball, grabbing wickets in clusters.

His magical over, which accounted for the dismissals of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green, tilted the balance early. Both were caught behind within six deliveries. With such a performance, Rabada now has 17 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket and hence is among the elite. His spell of 5/50 shined as a beacon of brilliance from his end.

Australian Innings: A Tale of Two Halves

Australia was dismissed for 212, a score that seemed almost unassailable at one point through the innings. Following early losses, with Marco Jansen dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head and Aiden Markram sending back Steve Smith for a well-made 66, things looked rather grim for Australia.

But debutant Beau Webster chose to raise his game as he watched on with confidence and grit, scoring an admirable 72. When he walked out to bat, the score stood at 103/4, and he stitched a crucial partnership with Alex Carey to hold one end steady. Beau’s 72 runs were not just about runs; it was a display of character, spirit, and making a conscious statement in the big league. Australia was able to reach a fighting 212 courtesy of Webster.

Rabada Leads a Fiery Attack

The South African bowling attack was in perfect symphony. Marco Jansen (2/27) complemented Rabada well, exploiting his height and bounce; Aiden Markram Gloriously dismissed Smith just before lunch. Keshav Maharaj cleaned up Alex Carey after Tea, and Rabada returned to wrap up the tail, ensuring Australia couldn’t build on their recovery.

South Africa Crumbles Under Pressure

With hope of South Africa really building on the bowling momentum, the trio of Australian pacers came in to have other ideas. Mitchell Starc struck with the very first ball in South Africa’s innings, dismissing Aiden Markram for a duck, while his merciless line and length continued to torment the Proteas.

An hour and a half later, South Africa was really struggling at 43/4. Starc led the attack, picking 2/10, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood got one wicket each. The South African top-order could not cope with the swinging and seaming balls under these overcast conditions. The scoreboard told the story: 169 runs down with only six wickets left.

Fast Bowlers Dominate Day 1

The pitches at Lord’s and the weather suited the fast bowlers, and so both sides were eager to get in some quick wickets. 14 wickets fell on day 1, which is a rare scenario in Test cricket, clearly pointing to a glum day for batting. Fast bowlers, especially Rabada and Starc, had given a hearty demonstration as to why they are considered the finest in the world. The battle between bat and ball was enthralling and set the scene for the true spirit of Test cricket.

What Makes This Match Historic?

This WTC Final will remain in the history books not only because of being played at the mesmerizing Lord’s Cricket Ground, but even more so due to the unprecedented number of wickets on Day 1 in a final. Very few Times have a Test final commenced so dramatically. The occasion demanded it; the conditions asked for it, and the bowlers rose to the occasion.

That undefeated-worm teams of such stature found themselves undone and in tatters at the hands of disciplined pace bowling speaks volumes about the intensity and competitiveness of the final. For a neutral cricket fan, the match could not have had a better start.

Australia’s Bright Spot: Beau Webster

Much will be said of the bowlers, but Australia has unearthed a rare diamond in Beau Webster. Winning on debut in the pressure cooker office of a Lord’s final is by no means common. His 72 came off crisp drives, shrewd leaves, and smart footwork. More importantly, it was an innings that looked as if it could give Australia a faint hope in the match.

Webster’s knock received a ton of acclaim from commentators and fans, and his presence in the lower middle order may well be a blessing for Australia in future Test matches. If Day 1 was an audition, Webster absolutely stole the show.

South Africa Needs a Fightback

The spotlight now shines on the South African lower-order. With Quinton de Kock and the tail-enders out on the crease, these batsmen have to salvage the team from trouble. The team will have to sensibly bat on Day 2, erase the deficit, and try to get a lead.

This is also the moment when South Africa needs to exhibit mental strength. If it fails, it would be surrendering momentum completely to Australia, who will happily then try to finish the match as soon as possible and bat under better conditions.

What to Expect on Day 2?

With 43/4 on the board, Day 2 takes on greater significance. South Africa must try to rebuild, maybe with the help of de Kock or Maharaj. Australia, on the other hand, will try to dismiss early with arrogance and try and take away the advantage from South Africa. Globally, swaps, fiery pace, and tenseness will abound between the two teams.

Conclusion

The WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s has very well begun. There have been top-order collapses, five-wicket hauls, and brave batting performances on Day 1. The match has already been etched into history by Kagiso Rabada’s rapid spell, Beau Webster’s debut heroics, and the quick attacks of Australia.

Days like these are what we Odyssey in cricket, for legends are made, and history is written. The battle for the WTC mace is far from over with Australia and South Africa eyeing it.