The final match of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 is currently being played between South Africa and Australia. On Wednesday, 11th June, Day 1 of the final took place. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first, inviting Australia to bat.
Australia’s First Innings: Bowled Out for 212
Australia’s batting performance was disappointing as they were bowled out for just 212 runs in their first innings. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, claiming five wickets. Despite the collapse, Steve Smith and Alex Carey managed to score half-centuries to give some respectability to the total.
Usman Khawaja was dismissed for a duck after facing 19 balls, caught by David Bedingham at slip off Rabada in the seventh over. In the same over, Cameron Green was also dismissed for just 4 runs, giving another catch to Aiden Markram. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith added 30 runs together before Labuschagne was sent back by Marco Jansen for 17. Jansen also dismissed Travis Head, while Markram got the wicket of Smith. Keshav Maharaj removed Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins fell to Rabada. Eventually, Australia’s innings folded at 212.
Related: South Africa vs Australia Test Head to Head
South Africa’s Struggling Start
In reply, South Africa also had a poor start with the bat. In the very first over, Aiden Markram was dismissed by Mitchell Starc without scoring. Then in the ninth over, Ryan Rickelton was dismissed by Starc after scoring 16 runs. Wiaan Mulder was bowled by Australian skipper Pat Cummins, and then Josh Hazlewood sent Tristan Stubbs back to the pavilion.
At stumps on Day 1, South Africa had scored 43 runs for the loss of 4 wickets. Captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were unbeaten at the crease. They now face the crucial task of building a strong partnership. Australia currently holds a lead of 169 runs.