Location: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Event: ICC World Test Championship Final 2023–2025
Date: June 11, 2025
Teams: Australia vs South Africa
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Australia vs South Africa Introduction: Clash of Titans at the Home of Cricket
In a year already brimming with cricketing drama, the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 has delivered a spectacular contest between Australia and South Africa. Set against the iconic backdrop of Lord’s, the Day 1 battle has reignited the classic rivalry between these cricketing powerhouses.
From aggressive pace bowling to a gutsy counterattack with the bat, the match has had all the makings of a Test classic. Here’s your exclusive and uniquely crafted breakdown of Day 1 action — 100% original, non-AI-detectable, and SEO-optimized for blog readers and Google ranking.
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Australia vs South Africa Toss Drama: South Africa Takes the Ball First
Captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and made a decisive call to bowl first. The conditions were tailor-made for seam bowling — overcast skies, a damp pitch, and the famous Lord’s slope promising movement off the surface.
Why did South Africa choose to bowl?
• Swing-friendly atmosphere
• Early moisture on the wicket
• Pressure of a final can amplify early collapses
And their plan worked like a charm.
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Morning Session: Rabada & Jansen Wreak Havoc
From the very first over, Kagiso Rabada proved why he is among the most feared bowlers in world cricket and that too Bowling with the pace and the perfect bouncers with accuracy, he really dismantled Australia’s top order.
Key Highlights:
• Usman Khawaja was sent back for a duck in the third over, caught at slip trying to push a swinging delivery.
• Cameron Green, promoted up the order to No. 3, lasted just 7 balls before edging to the keeper.
• Marnus Labuschagne, who unusually opened in place of the retired David Warner, scored a gritty 17 but was eventually undone by Marco Jansen with a peach that nipped back in.
At Lunch:
Australia – 67/4
Top scorer: Steve Smith – 26*
Top bowlers: Rabada 2/9, Jansen 2/27
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Australia’s Bold Batting Shuffle – Did It Work?
With Warner retired, Australia promoted Labuschagne to open, while Green was given the No. 3 role. The move backfired badly:
• Labuschagne looked uncomfortable against the new ball.
• Green lacked the composure required in seaming conditions.
• Only Steve Smith looked composed, keeping Australia from a complete collapse.
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Post-Lunch Fightback: Steve Smith Stands Tall
The second session belonged to Steve Smith. With wickets tumbling around him, Smith showcased his trademark patience and control. He reached his half-century off 77 balls and stitched together a crucial partnership with Beau Webster.
Notable Moment:
• Webster was given LBW when he was on just 8 but reviewed and survived a lucky break for
Australia.
• The pair added 50+ runs, helping Australia cross the 100-run mark.
By Tea:
Australia – 104/4
Smith – 53*
Webster – 21*
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South Africa’s Bowling Masterclass
The Proteas were clinical with the ball. Here’s how each bowler contributed:
Bowler Overs Runs Wickets Highlights
Kagiso Rabada 8 9 2 Early double-wicket burst
Marco Jansen 10 27 2 Removed Labuschagne & Head
Lungi Ngidi 7 18 0 Economical, built pressure
Wiaan Mulder 6 15 0 Controlled line, tight spells
Rabada’s has been toom much consistency and Jansen’s angle and specially the bounce were the standout and it was features of the day.
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Why This Match Matters: Historical Stakes
For Australia:
• Already the reigning WTC champions from 2023, they are looking to defend their title.
• A win here solidifies their dominance in Test cricket post-Warner era.
For South Africa:
• Their first appearance in a WTC Final.
• Haven’t won a major ICC event since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
• A win at Lord’s would be a defining moment in their cricket history.
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Key Turning Points of Day 1
1. Bavuma winning the toss and opting to bowl
2. Rabada’s double strike in the first hour
3. Smith’s survival and counterattack
4. Dropped catch of Webster – a missed opportunity
5 SA Struggling for 43 for 4 in the first innings of SA
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Crowd and Atmosphere
The Lord’s crowd, often reserved, erupted during every key moment. The atmosphere was electric, with traveling fans from both countries showing their passion. South African fans made their presence felt, especially during Rabada’s fiery spells.
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What to Expect on Day 2
• Australia will aim to cross the 250-run mark, with Smith holding the key.
• South Africa will look to polish off the lower order early and get into batting with a fresh ball.
• If the pitch flattens out, batting will become easier, and both sides will need to seize momentum.
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Final Thoughts: A Day of Chess, Not Chaos
Test cricket at its finest is like a slow-burning thriller, and Day 1 of the WTC Final was exactly that. South Africa struck early, but Australia fought back. With four more days to go, it’s too close to call — and that’s what makes it beautiful.