Can Australia's Fast Bowlers Secure Victory on Day One of the WTC Final?

London, June 11 (NationPress) Australia's fast bowlers showcased their precision, dismantling South Africa to a mere 43/4 in 22 overs by the end of Day One at the World Test Championship final held at Lord’s on Wednesday.

With 14 wickets falling throughout the day, Kagiso Rabada stood out with a remarkable 5-51 in 15.4 overs as Australia fell for 212. Beau Webster was the standout performer for Australia, scoring 72, while Steve Smith contributed 66. The duo's partnership of 79 runs for the fifth wicket was crucial before the team collapsed, losing five wickets for just 22 runs after tea.

In the final session, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood took charge, leaving South Africa reeling at four down and trailing by 169 runs. For South Africa to mount a comeback on Day Two, significant contributions are needed from skipper Temba Bavuma, currently on three, and David Bedingham, who has eight runs to his name.

After being bowled out for 212, Australia aimed for a strong response, with Starc striking in the opening over, dismissing Aiden Markram who chopped the ball onto his stumps. Starc narrowly missed a second wicket when Alex Carey dropped a straightforward catch from Wiaan Mulder. However, just four overs later, Starc claimed his second wicket as Ryan Rickelton edged to first slip.

Mulder found it tough to settle, making just six runs off 44 balls before Cummins bowled him with a straight delivery. Hazlewood also joined the wicket-takers when his fuller delivery hit Tristan Stubbs' off-stump.

Though Bavuma got off the mark on his 31st ball, and Bedingham managed some boundaries, Australia’s formidable fast-bowling trio ensured that a total of 212 didn’t appear inadequate.

Earlier, Bavuma’s decision to bowl first under overcast conditions paid off as South Africa restricted Australia to 67/4 at lunch.

Rabada and Jansen were relentless with their lengths, causing early havoc. Rabada struck in the seventh over, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in quick succession. Khawaja fell for a duck after edging to first slip, while Green was caught at third slip after an outside edge.

Despite some boundaries from Smith, South Africa continued to strike as Labuschagne nicked a delivery from Jansen to the keeper. Just before lunch, Jansen had Travis Head caught down the leg side, marking a successful opening session for South Africa.

In the second session, Smith, with his characteristic stance, managed to hit three quick boundaries off Rabada and Jansen. Although Webster struggled, he survived two close calls, including a near lbw decision that was reviewed.

Smith reached his half-century with a boundary off Rabada, and he and Webster began to find their rhythm. However, in attempting a cover drive, Smith fell to first slip after edging the ball.

Despite Webster's precarious position, he reached his second Test fifty off 69 balls, ensuring Australia had a better second session than the first. However, post-tea, Alex Carey fell early, attempting a reverse sweep off Keshav Maharaj and getting bowled for 23.

Rabada then quickly dismissed Cummins and Webster, while Jansen bowled Nathan Lyon. Rabada wrapped up Australia's innings by getting Starc out, culminating in an exhilarating day of cricket to determine the champion of the Ultimate Test.

Brief scores:

Australia 212 in 56.4 overs (Beau Webster 72, Steve Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5-51, Marco Jansen 3-49) lead South Africa 43/4 in 22 overs (Ryan Rickelton 16; Mitchell Starc 2-10, Josh Hazlewood 1-10) by 169 runs