South Africa have stamped their authority early in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s, closing out the opening session with the prized wicket of Travis Head and reducing Australia to 67/4. The final ball of the session saw Head dismissed thanks to a sensational diving catch down the leg side by Kyle Verreynne, who showed exceptional reflexes behind the stumps.
It was Kagiso Rabada who set the tone with a fiery spell. After removing Usman Khawaja with a sharp delivery, he doubled the blow by dismissing Cameron Green in the same over, thanks to a stunning low catch in the slips by Aiden Markram. The Proteas’ fast bowlers stuck to probing lines and lengths, and Australia’s top order couldn’t quite settle.
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Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith attempted to stabilise the innings with a brief resistance. But Marco Jansen delivered a well-directed delivery that had Travis Head glance one off his pads—only for Kyle Verreynne to pluck it clean out of the air with a full-stretch dive.
#MarcoJansen dismisses TravisHead after a splendid catch by #KyleVerreynne behind the stumps! 🔥
LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/9lZGHcdeVP #WTCFinal | #SAvAUS, Day 1, watch LIVE on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/i4HNMMtsrW
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 11, 2025
This is a big big wicket for South Africa 🔥
Phenomenal catch from Kyle Verreynne #WTC2O25Final pic.twitter.com/cxO7JLs10b— Hanan (@MalikSahaab_001) June 11, 2025
South Africa’s slip cordon and overall fielding have been nothing short of excellent, complementing their disciplined bowling effort. Wiaan Mulder, too, deserves credit—his miserly spell of 6 overs for just 6 runs included deliveries that beat the bat and kept the Aussies wary.
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Despite the top-order collapse, Steve Smith remains firm at one end. He’s looked composed, played with soft hands, and has been keen to rotate strike. With the ball moving off the seam and South Africa’s bowlers in rhythm, the onus is now on Smith to steer Australia back into the contest after lunch. A thrilling second session awaits.
