Proteas Shine as Rabada and Jansen Lead South Africa’s Strong Start Against Australia at Lord’s

London — South Africa made an impressive start to the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, with pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen dismantling Australia’s batting lineup to reduce them to 212 all out on day one.

Rabada, delivering his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests, was the star performer, taking crucial early wickets and finishing with a five-for. Jansen supported brilliantly, claiming three key scalps, including the prized wicket of Travis Head, to keep the Proteas in control throughout the day.

Australia, sent into bat first by South African captain Temba Bavuma, found themselves struggling early on after Rabada struck twice in a single over to remove Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. Despite resilient half-centuries from Beau Webster and Steve Smith, the visitors collapsed late, losing five wickets for just 22 runs as the South African attack tightened its grip.

Rabada’s performance not only marked his second five-wicket haul at Lord’s but also propelled him past Allan Donald into fourth place on the list of most Test wickets by a South African.

The match began under overcast skies, ideal conditions for the South African pace battery. Bavuma’s decision to open the bowling with Rabada and Jansen paid immediate dividends, setting the tone for the rest of the innings.

Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne and Head offered some resistance but fell to Jansen’s disciplined bowling. Steve Smith’s resistance was cut short by Aiden Markram, who returned to the attack and removed the Australian star, further strengthening South Africa’s position.

The stage is now set for a thrilling contest as both teams vie for cricket’s ultimate prize. South Africa, having won seven straight Tests to reach this final, look determined to cap their impressive run with a maiden World Test Championship title, while Australia aim to become the first team to defend the championship successfully.

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South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

The Ultimate Test continues with South Africa firmly on top after a commanding first day at the home of cricket.