Australia’s decision to bat first backfired in the World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s, as Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen led a dominant South African bowling attack under overcast skies in London. By lunch, Australia had collapsed to 67 for 4, with the top order struggling to cope with the moving ball.
Rabada strikes early after return from ban
Kagiso Rabada, returning from a one-month suspension after failing a drugs test, made an immediate impact. He dismissed Usman Khawaja for a 20-ball duck with a rising delivery outside off stump, which was edged to David Bedingham at slip. Just three deliveries later, Cameron Green, back in the side after back surgery, edged Rabada to second slip, where Aiden Markram took a sharp low catch. Rabada’s opening spell of six overs conceded just nine runs and brought him two crucial wickets.
Jansen removes Labuschagne and Head
Australia made a surprising decision to open with Marnus Labuschagne instead of specialist opener Sam Konstas. Labuschagne played patiently for his 17 off 56 balls before he edged a full delivery from Marco Jansen to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Verreynne added another highlight to his day with a superb diving catch to remove Travis Head for 11, just before the session break. Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 26 at lunch.
South Africa reap rewards with fuller lengths
South Africa’s bowlers targeted fuller lengths effectively. Three of their four wickets came from full-length deliveries. In total, 31 such balls were bowled in the session, costing 46 runs but yielding three wickets. Rabada and Jansen made full use of the conditions, with support from sharp fielding and consistent pressure.
Lord’s continues to challenge batters early
The first session at Lord’s has been historically difficult for batters. Since 2022, in the last seven Tests played at the venue, 16 wickets have fallen in the first 15 overs of matches at an average of 18.18. Six of those games saw teams lose two or more wickets during that early phase. Australia’s poor start adds to that trend, although they were the exception in the 2023 Ashes, when Khawaja and Warner put on a solid opening stand.
Australia face pressure to recover
With South Africa in control and conditions still favorable for seam bowling, Australia will need a strong effort from Steve Smith and the lower order to post a competitive total. Their decision to promote Labuschagne has backfired, and questions will now be asked about team selection and strategy as the match progresses.
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