Steve Smith breaks multiple records with gritty fifty in WTC final

Australia’s veteran batter Steve Smith made history with a determined half-century on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against South Africa at Lord’s on Wednesday.

Coming in at a tense moment when Australia were struggling at 16 for 2, Smith held his ground and guided his team through a difficult phase. The 36-year-old scored 66 runs from 112 balls in testing conditions, anchoring the innings with patience and class.

Smith’s knock marked his seventh fifty-plus score in ICC knockout matches, allowing him to surpass legendary Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar, who had six such scores in his career. India's Virat Kohli stands atop the list with nine fifty-plus scores in ICC knockouts.

The Australian also set a new record for the most Test runs by an overseas batter at Lord’s, with his latest innings taking his total to 578 runs at the historic venue. He overtook several cricketing greats including Warren Bardsley (575), Sir Garfield Sobers (571), Sir Donald Bradman (551) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul (512).

Smith’s 66, along with a brisk 72 from Beau Webster, helped Australia post 212 all out in 56.4 overs. South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler, finishing with 5 for 51. He was well supported by Marco Jansen, who took three wickets, while Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj claimed one each.

In reply, Australia’s fast bowlers struck early to rattle South Africa’s top order. Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood picked up one each, leaving the Proteas at 43 for 4 in 22 overs by the end of the day.

South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) were at the crease at stumps. They will look to rebuild on day two, with their side trailing by 169 runs.