Australia lose early wickets in first session of WTC final against South Africa

South Africa took control in the first session of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 final, reducing Australia to  four down before lunch on day one at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

After being asked to bat first, Australia struggled to get going, failing to score a single run in the first three overs. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, made the most of the early conditions, picking up two wickets each.

Usman Khawaja was dismissed by Rabada for a 20-ball duck with the score on 12 in the seventh over. Just a few balls later, Rabada struck again, removing Cameron Green for four, leaving Australia in trouble at 16-2.

Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith tried to bring some stability with a 30-run stand, but the pressure continued to build. Labuschagne was eventually dismissed by Jansen for 17 off 56 balls, making it 46-3.

Travis Head showed some intent with a quick 11 off 13 balls but was also removed by Jansen shortly before the lunch break, leaving Australia at 67-4.

It was a dominant first session for South Africa, who capitalised on the conditions and made the most of their decision to bowl first.

For reference, Australia and South Africa have faced each other 101 times in Test cricket. Australia lead the head-to-head with 54 wins, South Africa have won 26, and 21 matches have ended in draws.

Playing XIs:

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

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