South Africa steady their innings after early collapse on Day One of WTC Final

South Africa showed character and composure on Day Two of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023–25 final at Lord’s, recovering well after a top-order collapse on the opening day.

Resuming at 43/4 in 22 overs, the Proteas were boosted by a steady partnership between captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham. The pair added 64 runs for the fifth wicket, showing patience and determination against Australia’s strong pace attack.

Bavuma played a calm and responsible knock, scoring 36 off 84 deliveries, while Bedingham provided solid support at the other end. Together, they helped South Africa move closer to Australia’s first-innings total before Bavuma was dismissed by Pat Cummins with the score at 94/5 in 39.2 overs.

Kyle Verreynne then joined Bedingham at the crease and continued the recovery. By lunch on Day Two, South Africa had reached 121/5 in 49 overs, trailing by 91 runs. Bedingham remained unbeaten on 39, while Verreynne was on 11.

Earlier, South Africa bowled out Australia for just 212 on Day One. After being put in to bat, Australia got off to a slow start, scoring no runs in the first three overs. Rabada made early inroads, dismissing Khawaja and Green cheaply, before Marco Jansen removed Labuschagne and Head.

Steve Smith and Beau Webster tried to rebuild the innings with a valuable 79-run stand. Smith scored a composed 66, while Webster top-scored with 72 off 92 balls. However, after Smith’s dismissal to Aiden Markram, the lower order collapsed quickly.

Rabada ended with brilliant figures of 5/51 in 15.4 overs, supported by Jansen’s three wickets and one each from Maharaj and Markram.

In reply, Australia’s bowlers reduced South Africa to 43/4 by stumps, but the Proteas have since fought back, hoping to stay in the contest with a strong first-innings total.