Smith showcased his usual prowess, stabilizing a faltering Australian innings with a stylish half-century, which he brought up in 76 balls, including nine boundaries. This performance allowed him to surpass fellow Australian Warren Bardsley, who previously held the record with 575 runs at an average of 115 at this historic venue.
Bardsley’s memorable innings of 164 at No. 4 during the last Lord’s Test against South Africa in 1912 makes Smith’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy in today’s cricket landscape.
Kagiso Rabada’s stunning five-wicket haul in the #WTC25 Final sees him surpass South African legend Allan Donald ???? pic.twitter.com/vsGZiRm0gv
— ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2025
On the first day, the bowling dominated, with 14 wickets falling for just 255 runs on a sluggish pitch. Kagiso Rabada delivered an impressive 5-51, and new-ball partner Marco Jansen added 3-49, dismantling the defending champions for 212, with the last five wickets falling for a mere 20 runs.
Australia aims to defend the WTC mace it secured for the first time in 2023, while South Africa is in pursuit of its first ICC trophy this century.
The Proteas made a wise choice to bowl first after winning the toss; Bavuma immediately handed the ball to his two key bowlers, Rabada and Jansen.
Highlights from an exciting opening day of the Ultimate Test at Lord’s ????????#SAvAUS #WTC25 pic.twitter.com/sHyplzkfxT
— ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2025
Seizing the bowler-friendly conditions, it was so overcast that stadium lights had to be switched on shortly after the 10 a.m. toss.
Although many of the Proteas had not played at Lord’s before, they had prepared thoroughly; Rabada bowled up the slope in search of edges, while Jansen aimed to nip the ball down the slope. Their discipline paid off, resulting in four wickets during the first session.
(With PTI inputs)
