The change of pace swung the tide for South Africa on Day 1 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 versus Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Aiden Markram, a part-time off-spinner, delivered the vital breakthrough after lunch, allowing the Proteas to regain control of the session.
Australia began play after the break, with Steve Smith and Beau Webster appearing at ease in the crease and building on their previous success.
The pair contributed 79 runs for the fifth wicket, putting the Proteas on the back foot after losing early wickets. The pacers were unable to make a breakthrough after Markram was introduced in the 42nd over.
Markram put up the final ball of the over outside off stump. Smith, who appeared to be in total control up until that point, attempted a drive but only achieved a thick outside edge.
Marco Jansen was stationed at the slide and responded swiftly.
The ball first bounced out of his hand to the left, then off his fingertips, but the seamer clung to it on his third effort as he fell to the ground.
Watch the video below:
Masterstroke from 🇿🇦! 💪🏻#AidenMarkram gets introduced into the attack and he gets the big wicket of #SteveSmith as #MarcoJansen! 🤯😯
Will Australia build a big total from here, or will South Africa restrict them to under 200? 👀
LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/9lZGHcdMLn… pic.twitter.com/BMEOYMUzcX
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 11, 2025
Smith, who was batting fluently on 66 off 112 balls with 10 boundaries, was looking set for a big score. The dismissal not only broke a key partnership but also shifted the momentum in the Proteas favour.
Earlier in the day, the Proteas pace attack had Aussies reeling. Kagiso Rabada and Jansen picked up two wickets each in the morning session, reducing the defending champions to 67 for 4 at lunch. While Webster tried to steady the innings with Smith, Markram’s crucial breakthrough brought back the game into their side.
