After being bowled out for a modest 212 in the morning session of the first day of the World Test Championship Final, Australia’s bowlers took charge in the afternoon, trying to seize control from the Proteas.
But their efforts were insufficient as South Africa managed to hold on, ending the day at 43 for 4 and still ahead on the scoreboard.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first, sensing that the overcast conditions would favour their pace attack. Kagiso Rabada quickly justified this decision by running through the Australian top order.
His fast, accurate bowling dismantled the early batting lineup, removing key players, including Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. Rabada’s relentless spell earned him five wickets for 51 runs, and in doing so, he became South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker, surpassing the legendary Allan Donald.
The Proteas’ support bowlers, especially Marco Jansen, also played their part, picking up three wickets and keeping Australia under pressure.
Australia’s middle order, led by Steve Smith and Beau Webster, tried to steady the innings. The pair put together a valuable partnership, with Smith scoring 66 and Webster making 72, pushing the total beyond 200.
However, a late collapse saw Australia lose their last five wickets for just 20 runs, leaving them with a total that was below what they would have hoped for in such a high-stakes match.
When South Africa began their innings, Australia’s bowlers responded with intensity. Mitchell Starc was the spearhead of the comeback, swinging the ball masterfully and taking two early wickets.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood supported him well, exploiting the conditions to trouble the South African batsmen. The Proteas lost both openers quickly, and by the end of the day, they were struggling at 43 for 4.
Australia’s bowlers fought hard to claw their way back into the match after a disappointing start with the bat. Their bowling attack was persistent as they tried making things difficult for the South African batsmen.
However, the Proteas’ middle order managed to withstand the pressure, preventing Australia from fully turning the tide on the first day.
