The much awaited first ever World Test Championship final started today at Lord’s. South Africa fought their biggest rivals Australia for world cricket’s top honors in nail-biting final. This match marks the completion of a two-year journey. An equally up-and-down campaign from South Africa saw them top the group and book a place in the final.
Cameron Green, playing his first Test for Australia since undergoing back surgery, slammed a quickfire half-century on day two. Having done so, he returned to make his Test comeback in the No. 3 spot. Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja strode to the crease for Australia to open the batting and take on the new ball in the overcast London conditions.
The opening breakthrough came courtesy of South African bowler Kagiso Rabada. He removed Usman Khawaja, which left Australia with no wicketkeeper and not much room to maneuver. This is when Labuschagne and captain Steve Smith entered the crease. From there the pair went about doing their best to just buy an innings against a feisty South African attack.
The London weather forecast is calling for overcast skies in the morning. Don’t worry, look for sunshine to emerge during the afternoon! This brought an entire new level of mystique to the competition. What players and fans really wanted were some good playing conditions.
Temba Bavuma’s path to the WTC final has been an inspiration, a testament to the power of hope and persevering through adversity during an illustrious career. To many, his presence on the field is proof that the power of belief overcomes all obstacles. There are numerous people in the broader cricket community that feel this way.
As the innings progressed, Usman Khawaja kept his sights set, looking to survive one more over from Rabada. On the flip side, Labuschagne struggled to get going against South Africa’s bowlers, getting stuck in the mud and missing his groove. Steve Smith, on the other hand, seemed far more settled at the crease and was intent on making the most of any movement the wicket was giving up.
Lungi Ngidi replaced Marco Jansen in the bowling attack and nearly claimed Labuschagne’s wicket with his second delivery, highlighting the pressure on Australia’s batsmen. Wiaan Mulder cycling back into the first drop position for South Africa. He’d already been trialled in that role earlier this year during T20 series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
After losing two wickets early in their innings, Australia found themselves with an urgent threat. They need Labuschagne and Smith to put on a partnership of runs. Rabada’s stellar opening spell, which included the two key wickets of Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram, put South Africa in complete control.
Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bat first on what seemed to be a good wicket. Indeed, once the match was underway he warned that the beauty of that pitch could very quickly become a liability.
“We’re happy to bat first, looks like a pretty good wicket and that it might turn later in the match.” – Pat Cummins
With excitement building for this first-ever, winner-take-all matchup, one astute commentator aptly captured the energy of this crucial contest.
“The players are excited, the press attentive and the audience has committed. The Test decider is vindicated further each time it is played.” – Source Unknown
The relentless battle between bat and ball showed just how hard-fought this final was. South Africa came out attacking and gained the early advantage in the match. With Australia’s ship sinking fast, attention shifted to Labuschagne and Smith as they looked to rebuild Australia’s innings.