An action-packed opening day saw 14 wickets fall as both Australia and South Africa exchanged heavy blows in the World Test Championship Final.
Australia were bowled out for 212 after promising half-centuries from Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) gave them brief control following a shaky start at 67/4. Their 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket provided a lifeline before Kagiso Rabada ran riot post-tea, triggering a dramatic collapse. Australia’s final five wickets fell for just 18 runs.
Rabada’s Redemption:
Returning under the spotlight after a short ban, Rabada silenced doubters with a devastating spell of 5 for 51, surpassing Allan Donald to become South Africa’s 4th-highest Test wicket-taker of all time.
In reply, South Africa stumbled to 43/4 at stumps, with Mitchell Starc claiming 2 wickets for 10 runs in a fiery burst. Hazlewood and Cummins chipped in to keep the momentum swinging Australia’s way.
Score Summary:
Australia – 212 (56.4 overs)
- Webster 72, Smith 66
- Rabada 5-51, Jansen 3-49
South Africa – 43/4 (22 overs)
- Rickelton 16
- Starc 2-10, Hazlewood 1-10, Cummins 1-14
With both teams trading punches early, Day 2 promises another thrilling chapter in this high-stakes final.
