Australia vs South Africa Live Score, ICC WTC Final 2025: Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s belonged to the bowlers as Australia and South Africa exchanged blows in an intense, low-scoring start to the five-day clash. With overcast skies and a helpful pitch, 14 wickets tumbled for just 255 runs, but by stumps, it was Australia who had edged ahead in this high-stakes encounter.
After being sent in to bat, Australia slumped to 212 despite gritty knocks from Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66), the only batters all day to go past 23. South Africa’s bowling attack made full use of the seam-friendly conditions. Kagiso Rabada led the charge with a superb 5 for 51, while Marco Jansen chipped in with 3 for 49. Rabada’s mastery of the Lord’s slope was on full display, dismissing Usman Khawaja for a duck and debut No.3 Cameron Green in the same over.
But Australia’s response with the ball was even more decisive. Mitchell Starc removed both openers inside the first six overs, and Pat Cummins added two more to leave South Africa reeling at 43 for 4. Wiaan Mulder’s resistance ended on 6, and Tristan Stubbs managed just 2 before Hazlewood dismantled his stumps. Only Temba Bavuma (3* off 37) and David Bedingham (12*) offered some end-of-day resistance.
Australia’s lower-than-expected total now appears competitive, thanks to their potent pace trio. Starc’s swing, Hazlewood’s accuracy, and Cummins’ hostility exposed South Africa’s vulnerabilities under pressure. Webster, reflecting on the day, credited the bowlers: “We know if we don’t quite get it done with the bat, our bowlers will.”
South Africa, meanwhile, will reflect on a day of missed chances, including a dropped catch by Alex Carey that could have sent Mulder back even earlier. Bavuma’s decision to bowl first was justified by Rabada and Jansen’s early inroads, but now the onus lies on the batters to claw back into the match on Day 2.
As both teams look to assert dominance in this tight contest, Day 2 promises to be just as gripping. Can South Africa’s middle order stand firm? Or will Australia continue their charge towards defending the mace? All eyes remain on Lord’s.