AUS vs SA Live Score Day 1, WTC Final 2025 Live: Proteas Dominate Opening Session, Australia 67/4

Welcome to IPL.com’s live coverage of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s. Stay tuned for live updates and insights. South Africa dominated the first session on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, leaving Australia in deep trouble. After being asked to bat first, Australia lost four wickets before Lunch and are struggling at 67/4 in 23.2 overs. Kagiso Rabada set the tone with a fiery spell, removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in the same over. Marco Jansen followed up with two more big wickets Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head. With half the team back in the pavilion, Australia will now be counting on Steve Smith to steady things after Lunch.
WTC Final: SA vs AUS Playing XI's
South Africa XI vs Australia: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Australia XI vs South Africa: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wK), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
WTC Final Live: Webster Continues to Struggle as Smith Holds Steady
Day 1, Session 2 continues to test Australia’s middle order, with Beau Webster finding it tough against South Africa’s disciplined pace attack. The Lord’s pitch is offering generous bounce and movement, and Webster has looked uncomfortable throughout his stay.
At the other end, Steve Smith remains solid, watching on as his new partner battles to settle in. Smith has played with composure, nearing his half-century, but the pressure is mounting with South Africa not letting up.
Live Score: Australia 94/4 (31 overs) vs South Africa at Lord’s. Smith 45*, Webster 8*.
WTC Final Live: Beau Webster Survives Close Call as Jansen Troubles Both Batters
Marco Jansen continues to keep the pressure on Australia with a fiery post-lunch spell. The tall left-armer nearly had Steve Smith LBW with a delivery that struck the pads but was clearly sliding down leg, prompting no review.
However, it was Beau Webster who had the biggest scare. Jansen, bowling around the wicket, got one to angle in sharply and struck Webster on the pads. The appeal was loud, and skipper Temba Bavuma opted for the review. Ball-tracking showed the delivery clipping the stumps, but the decision stayed with the on-field umpire umpire’s call on impact saved Webster.
It was a narrow escape for the debutant, who is visibly struggling against Jansen’s movement. South Africa’s bowlers are keeping things tight, and another wicket here could open the floodgates
WTC Final Live: Steve Smith Key as Australia Look to Survive South Africa’s Early Burst
Steve Smith remains the anchor for Australia as he resumes with purpose in the second session, striking two classy boundaries off Kagiso Rabada. With Rabada and Marco Jansen sharing the new ball after lunch, South Africa have kept up the intensity an attacking move by skipper Temba Bavuma.
Smith, unbeaten on 40, is Australia's biggest hope, while Beau Webster is still finding his feet, facing a tough test against the moving ball. South Africa are pushing hard for another breakthrough as Australia aim to rebuild.
Live Score: Australia 82/4 (27 overs) vs South Africa at Lord’s. Smith 40*, Webster 1*.
SA vs AUS Live: Second Session Underway as Australia Look to Rebuild
The second session is underway at Lord’s following a dominant morning for South Africa. Australia will be hoping to steady the ship after losing Travis Head right before lunch. New batter Beau Webster walks in at No. 6 to join Steve Smith, who is unbeaten on 26.
Marco Jansen is set to complete the remaining four deliveries of his over and will look to strike again early in the session. A breakthrough here would give South Africa even more momentum.
Live Score: Australia – 67/4 (23.2 overs) vs South Africa. Smith (26*), Webster (0*).
WTC Final 2025 Live: AB de Villiers Praises Bavuma’s Bold Call to Bowl First
Speaking at the lunch break, AB de Villiers lauded South Africa captain Temba Bavuma for his brave decision to bowl first under overcast skies at Lord’s a move that has paid off handsomely. With Australia reeling at 67/4, de Villiers credited the Proteas’ sharp bowling and fielding effort for seizing control of the match.
“I thought it was a very bold decision from Temba to bowl first, but it’s paid dividends. We’ve picked up four wickets, and some really good catches were taken,” said de Villiers.
While he noted a missed opportunity in not pressing harder before lunch, AB was optimistic about the position South Africa find themselves in. He also hinted at a possible role for spinner Keshav Maharaj later in the innings.
“If we don’t get a breakthrough in the first 45 minutes or so after lunch, I’d love to see what Maharaj can offer. The pitch looks fairly dry and might take some turn—even if it’s inconsistent.”
De Villiers, however, warned that the game is far from over, highlighting Australia’s fighting spirit:
“The second session will be incredibly important. Australia are known to fight back hard. I expect positive batting from them, but hopefully South Africa can strike early and get them five or six down quickly with Rabada likely starting things off.”
SA vs AUS Live: Rabada and Jansen Lead with Swing and Precision
South Africa’s pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen have completely dictated terms in the opening session at Lord’s, exploiting the swing and bounce on offer. Rabada set the tone early by removing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in quick succession, putting Australia on the back foot right away.
Marco Jansen carried the momentum forward, striking twice to dismiss makeshift opener Marnus Labuschagne and the in-form Travis Head, both falling to edges induced by late movement. With four top-order wickets down and the pitch continuing to assist seamers, Australia are in a spot of trouble—something that will surely concern captain Pat Cummins as the match progresses.
WTC Final Live: Jay Shah Rings the Bell at Lord’s
A special moment unfolded at the start of the day as ICC Chairman Jay Shah rang the iconic Lord’s bell to officially signal the beginning of the WTC Final. The ceremonial act, steeped in tradition, marked the start of what promises to be a thrilling contest between South Africa and Australia. Shah also shared a photo from the occasion, capturing the significance of the moment.
A privilege to ring the bell at the historic Lord’s ground before the start of play on day one of the @icc World Test Championship final between @ProteasMenCSA and @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/4tsCr78aik
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 11, 2025
WTC Final 2025 Live: Jansen Strikes as Head Falls Just Before Lunch
Marco Jansen delivers a crucial blow right before the lunch break, dismissing Travis Head with a delivery that moved just enough to find the edge. Head misjudged the swing and became the latest Australian batter to be caught behind, once again by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.
That wicket ends the morning session on a high for South Africa, who have kept the pressure on with disciplined bowling. Australia head into lunch at 67/4 in 23.2 overs, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 26*.
WTC Final 2025 Live: Smith and Head Steady the Ship
After losing wickets cheaply, Australia are relying on the experienced pair of Steve Smith and Travis Head to bring some calm to the innings. The duo is keeping it simple focusing on safe, risk-free cricket against a charged-up South African bowling attack. Their composed approach is helping Australia find some footing again. At the end of 21 overs, Australia are 58/3 at Lord’s, with Head on 9* and Smith steady at 19*.
SA vs AUS Live: Jansen Removes Labuschagne, Head Joins Smith
Marco Jansen finally gets his reward after troubling Marnus Labuschagne with pace and bounce. Labuschagne, looking increasingly uncomfortable, edged one behind to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, falling for 17. It’s a big breakthrough for South Africa as Australia lose their third wicket.
Travis Head now walks in at No. 5, joining Steve Smith at the crease. With Australia at 46/3 after 18 overs, the pressure is mounting—but a crucial partnership could still turn things around. Smith is unbeaten on 18*, with Head yet to score.
WTC Final 2025 Live: Labuschagne and Smith Dig In
Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith are showing great patience at the crease, opting for a risk-free approach against South Africa’s disciplined pace attack. With both batters content to absorb pressure, the scoring has slowed, but stability is returning to Australia’s innings. After 17 overs, the visitors are 41/2 at Lord’s, with Labuschagne and Smith both unbeaten on 17.
SA vs AUS Live: Smith Beats the Trap with a Clever Boundary
South Africa introduced a leg slip to target Steve Smith’s tendency to glance the ball fine, but the Australian veteran had other ideas. In a moment of brilliance, Smith threaded a boundary right between the wicketkeeper and slip fielder, much to Lungi Ngidi’s frustration. The Proteas are keeping the pressure on, but Smith’s experience is starting to show. After 14 overs, Australia are 37/2 at Lord’s, with Labuschagne on 17* and Smith moving to 13*.
WTC Final 2025 Live: Mulder Keeps It Tight as First Hour Ends
Wiaan Mulder came into the attack replacing Kagiso Rabada and immediately made an impact by starting with a maiden over. His disciplined line kept the pressure firmly on Australia, who have struggled to break free. As the first hour of play wraps up, South Africa remain firmly in control. With Australia at 29/2 after 13 overs, the responsibility now lies with Steve Smith (5*) and Marnus Labuschagne (17*) to steady the innings and mount a fightback.
SA vs AUS Live: Smith and Labuschagne Begin to Rebuild
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne are slowly shifting gears after a cautious start. With the early pressure easing slightly, the duo has begun to play a few strokes and rotate the strike, looking to rebuild Australia's innings. After 12 overs, the score stands at 29/2 at Lord’s, with Labuschagne on 17* and Smith on 5*.
WTC Final 2025 Live: Smith’s Impressive Record at Lord’s
Steve Smith has a remarkable history at Lord’s, having scored 530 runs in six matches at an average of 58.88. His tally includes two centuries and two fifties, with a career-best 215 scored during the 2015 Ashes against England. As Australia look to recover from early blows, Smith’s familiarity with the venue could prove vital.
On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada has delivered six overs on the trot in a fiery opening spell and may now be due for a break. After 11 overs, Australia are 26/2, with Labuschagne on 14* and Smith on 5*.
SA vs AUS Live: Steady Start for Ngidi, Labuschagne Finds the Boundary
Lungi Ngidi begins his spell with a steady over, conceding four runs. Marnus Labuschagne looked confident as he timed a beautiful cover drive for a boundary. Both Labuschagne and Smith are beginning to look settled as they aim to rebuild Australia’s innings after early blows. After 10 overs, Australia are 26/2 at Lord’s, with Labuschagne unbeaten on 14 and Smith on 5.
WTC Final 2025 Live: Smith Finds the Fence with Classic Punch
Steve Smith gets going in style, playing a trademark backfoot punch through deep point to register his first boundary of the innings. With Australia under pressure early, Smith’s presence at the crease is vital. Given his outstanding record at Lord’s, the team will be counting on him to anchor the innings. After 9 overs, Australia are 22/2, with Labuschagne on 10* and Smith on 5*.
SA vs AUS Live: Jansen Keeps It Tight with a Testing Over
Marco Jansen continues to build pressure from the other end with another tight and probing over. He came close to a breakthrough on the final delivery, with Marnus Labuschagne nearly glancing one to the leg slip. South Africa’s bowlers remain relentless as Australia reach 18/2 after 8 overs at Lord’s, with Labuschagne on 10* and Smith on 1*.
WTC Final Live: Rabada Rocks Australia with Double Blow
Kagiso Rabada has put South Africa firmly on top in the early stages of the WTC Final with two quick wickets. After removing Usman Khawaja earlier, Rabada struck again to dismiss Cameron Green for just 4, thanks to a sharp low catch from Aiden Markram in the slips. The South African pace attack is firing on all cylinders, and the Lord’s crowd is roaring in support. Australia are under pressure at 16/2 after 7 overs, with Marnus Labuschagne on 9* and Steve Smith yet to score.
WTC Final Live: Australia Off the Mark After a Watchful Start
After a cautious beginning, Australia have finally opened their account in the WTC Final. Marnus Labuschagne picked up two doubles off Marco Jansen to get the scoreboard moving. The South African pacer also bowled a no-ball, handing over an extra run. It’s been a quiet but tense start at Lord’s, with South Africa keeping things tight early on.
WTC Final Live: Jansen Maintains Early Pressure
Marco Jansen continued South Africa’s disciplined start by keeping things tight in the second over. He didn’t offer any loose deliveries, making life difficult for Marnus Labuschagne, who had to stay cautious against the movement and bounce of the new ball. After two overs, Australia remain scoreless at 0/0 in the WTC Final at Lord’s.
AUS vs SA, WTC Final: Rabada Starts Strong with a Maiden Over
Kagiso Rabada has set the tone early for South Africa in the WTC Final with a sharp and disciplined opening over. Bowling with pace and precision, Rabada consistently tested Usman Khawaja by beating his outside edge multiple times. It was a maiden over — a tidy and threatening start that put immediate pressure on the Australian batters.
WTC Final 2025 Live: Labuschagne Opens for the First Time in Tests
In a surprise move for the World Test Championship Final, Marnus Labuschagne has been sent out to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja — marking his debut as a Test opener. The grand stage is set at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, with a full house buzzing in anticipation of this high-stakes clash between Australia and South Africa. Kagiso Rabada has the new ball in hand and is ready to steam in for the first over of the final.
AUS vs SA, WTC Final: Skippers Speak Ahead of the Big Clash at Lord's
The Aussie skipper feels that having players who’ve been in high-pressure finals before could make a big difference. Cummins said the team is excited, not nervous, and that they’re ready to embrace the big moments.
"Hopefully it helps. I think just about everyone in the team, I have to think about it, everyone in the team has been in a final before and yeah I think in some ways you know the with experience you you want to in some success you just want to experience more of it and that means when the going gets tough or the pressures on you you you embrace that you take it on you know you want to be the match winner you hopefully don't get overwhelmed by big moments so that's been most of the conversation this week is the guys just have excitement they want to get out there they want to play well they want to win there's no fear of failure or if it doesn't pan out it's just a excitement to get going," said Cummins.
Bavuma acknowledged the emotional build-up to playing a final at Lord’s but reminded his players to stay focused on the task ahead and not get carried away by the moment.
"Yeah I think I mean we've been with the group now like I said in our preparation I think a lot of it has been emotive, understanding what the occasion is about, being here at Lord's. So I think from a motivation point of view, there's not much that I can do. I think if players needed to be motivated, then that would be a problem. I think now it's kind of maybe just kind of getting down to the fact that we need to play the game. Let's play what is in front of us. Let's not get caught up in too much of the story and what could be. Just be ready for what's to come. We accept and understand that it's going to be tough against the Australians. The guys who played against them know and look I mean they've been good times, they've been bad times and we need to feed off all those good times. So yeah I think time for the emotions and the stories and all of that is to put it behind us and really be ready to play what's in front of us."
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