AUS vs SA WTC Final 2025: Jansen, Rabada Rock Australia Early at Lord’s
The grand stage of Lord’s is witnessing a fiery start to the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, as South Africa’s pacers Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada tore through Australia’s top order in a dream first session. With four wickets down before lunch, the Aussies were reeling at 67/4, and South Africa couldn't have asked for a better beginning in their quest to break a 27-year ICC title drought.
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Redemption Mission
This WTC Final is more than just a cricket match for South Africa. It’s a chance to finally shed their “chokers” tag and claim their first ICC trophy since 1998. Despite a heart-breaking loss in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India, coach Shukri Conrad insists that this team is writing a new chapter — one that’s not weighed down by past failures.
Captain Temba Bavuma echoed this sentiment, identifying Australia’s unsettled top order as a major weakness. His bowlers wasted no time proving him right.
🔥 Bowling Brilliance at Lord’s
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl under cloudy English skies, South Africa made immediate impact:
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Marco Jansen dismissed Marnus Labuschagne with a beauty outside off stump — a loose shot leading to a faint edge.
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Travis Head, just as he looked set, was strangled down the leg side, brilliantly caught by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on the stroke of lunch.
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Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder also kept things tight, applying relentless pressure on Australia’s batters.
The result? Australia ended the first session at 67/4, staring down the barrel of a major collapse.
🇦🇺 Australia’s Bold Line-up Shuffles
Australia entered this final with some major changes:
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Marnus Labuschagne was promoted to open in place of the retired David Warner.
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Cameron Green returned at No. 3 after injury.
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Josh Hazlewood replaced Scott Boland, despite Boland’s impressive past performances in English conditions.
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Young all-rounder Beau Webster was included to balance the side if Green couldn’t bowl fully.
But the top-order shake-up hasn’t paid off — at least not yet.
🧠 South Africa’s Surprise Move
One of the more surprising decisions was South Africa’s move to push Wiaan Mulder up to No. 3. Though inexperienced in red-ball cricket at that position, Bavuma believes in Mulder’s growth and ability to handle the challenge. This bold call reflects the Proteas’ fearless approach in this high-stakes match.
💬 What’s at Stake
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For Australia, this is about solidifying their dominance. A win here adds to their 2023 ODI World Cup and confirms their golden era.
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For South Africa, it’s about changing the narrative. They’re not just playing for a trophy — they’re playing for history.
Despite criticisms around the WTC format's imbalance in fixtures, both teams have fought hard to reach this stage, and players from both camps have stressed how much the mace means.
🏏 Session Summary (Lunch, Day 1)
Score: Australia 67/4
Top scorer: Steve Smith (26*)
Wickets lost:
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Usman Khawaja
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Marnus Labuschagne
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Cameron Green
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Travis Head
South Africa's quicks have dominated with disciplined lines and movement, making the most of Lord’s morning conditions. Australia, known for fighting back, will now depend heavily on Steve Smith to stabilize the innings and build from here.
📅 Looking Ahead
With the match finely poised, the next sessions will be crucial. If South Africa can keep the pressure on and dismiss Smith early, they’ll take a giant step toward ending decades of heartbreak. But if Smith and Australia’s lower middle-order dig in, this WTC Final could turn into a thrilling battle.
Either way, fans are in for an exciting Test match — the kind only the longest format can deliver.
Stay tuned for live updates and session-by-session analysis as the WTC Final 2025 unfolds at Lord’s! 🏏🇦🇺🇿🇦
Reference from:- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/aus-vs-sa-wtc-final-2025-live-score-icc-world-test-championship-final-south-africa-vs-australia-day-1-test-match-scorecard-lords-cricket-ground/liveblog/121772488.cms