WTC Final Day 1: Rabada Shines But Australia Fights Back, South Africa on Backfoot Early

London: The king of speed Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen bowled lethally and bowled out Australia for 212 runs on the first day in the final of the World Test Championship against South Africa. Rabada took five wickets for 51 runs and Jansen took three wickets for 49 runs to bring Australia to its knees. However, after this the Australian bowlers also attacked. South Africa got the first blow from Mitchell Starc in the very first over. At the time of stumps, the team had lost 4 wickets for 43 runs in 22 overs. Australia still has a lead of 169 runs in the first innings.

Smith and Webster took charge of Australia

In the first session of the day, Australia's score was 67 runs for 4 wickets. Usman Khawaja became the victim of Rabada without opening the account. In the same over, he also sent Cameron Green (4) to the pavilion. Labuschagne and Head were dismissed by Jansen and Australia were put in trouble. Steve Smith and Beau Webster scored half-centuries to recover Australia from the first bad session. At the end of the second session, the team's score was 190 runs for 5 wickets.

Australia looked in a comfortable position at the time of tea break, but in front of Rabada and Jansen, the defending champion team lost its last five wickets by adding only 20 runs and its first innings was reduced to 212 runs in 56.4 overs. Smith scored 66 runs with the help of 10 fours in 112 balls, while Webster overcame the initial struggles and scored 72 runs with the help of 11 fours in 92 balls.

South Africa under pressure in the first over

South Africa's team looked under pressure in the very first over. Australian pacers took full advantage of the swing in the pitch. In the very first over, Mitchell Starc bowled Aiden Markram. His account did not even open. Ryan Rickelton was out after scoring 16 runs. Starc also got his wicket. Wiaan Mulder, who came at number three, was bowled by Pat Cummins. 6 runs came off his bat in 44 balls. Captain Temba Bavuma's account opened on the 31st ball. Tristan Stubbs also became the victim of Josh Hazlewood after scoring just 2 runs. At the time of stumps, Temba Bavuma is at the crease with 3 runs while David Bendingham is at the crease with 8 runs.