Temba Bavuma, a professional batter, demonstrated early intent in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against Australia at the legendary Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Australia won Day 1, with the Proteas behind at 43/4 at Stumps, but the first-time finalists had their intentions clear as the second day began.
Mitchell Starc, the Proteas’ left-arm bowler, stepped in for the 25th over, and Bavuma hit two boundaries. On the opening ball, he hit a fuller delivery pitched wide outside off through the covers for four. Four balls later in the same over, Bavuma took advantage of the breadth again, lofting the ball over backward point and beating the fielder near the boundary ropes.
Watch the video of Temba Bavuma’s lofted cover drives here
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma shows positive intent early on Day 2 💪
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The South African captain looked solid before falling to his Australian counterpart Pat Cummins, caught brilliantly by Marnus Labuschagne for a well fought 36. Bavuma’s 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket with David Bedingham offered brief resistance.
Earlier in the match, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada topped with the ball, finishing with figures of 5/47 in 15.4 overs, leading the Proteas bowling attack. Australia posted 212 in their first innings, with decent knocks from Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72).
South Africa began their reply in the final session of the day, but Starc set the tone immediately, removing Aiden Markram in the very first over. He later dismissed Ryan Rickelton as well, while Cummins and Josh Hazlewood chipped in with one wicket each to leave the South African innings in trouble early on.
