Jay Shah Rings in the WTC Final at Lord’s
The 2025 World Test Championship Final got a ceremonial touch as ICC Chairman Jay Shah rang the iconic Lord’s bell before the big clash between Australia and South Africa. It’s a tradition at this legendary ground, marking the official start of play, and for Shah, it was more than routine. He described it as a special privilege, sharing his excitement on social media just moments before the action started. Moments like these remind fans and players of the heritage of Lord’s, where cricket’s oldest stories meet its newest chapters.
With Lord’s standing room packed and the air buzzing, South Africa’s Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl. The decision was strategic—cloudy English skies, a tinge of green on the pitch, and a reshuffled Australian batting order led Bavuma to throw down the early challenge.
Australia and South Africa Shake Up Their Lineups
Australia’s top order looked a bit different. Marnus Labuschagne was pushed up to open, filling the gap left by David Warner’s absence. Cameron Green, freshly back from injury, slotted in at number three, eager to make an impact. Australia also rolled the dice with all-rounder Beau Webster, giving their middle order some extra muscle and flexibility.
On the other side, South Africa took a gamble by placing Wiaan Mulder—someone who hasn’t faced much red-ball pressure at this level—into the number three spot. With a trophy drought stretching all the way back to 1998, the Proteas needed both boldness and execution on a day where reputations often crack under pressure.
South Africa’s new-ball pair, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, put early heat on Australia. Despite a solid start, Australia was bundled out for 212. Steve Smith played with trademark grit for his 66, but it was Beau Webster who surprised by top-scoring with 72. Their resilience kept Australia in the contest, but Rabada’s and Jansen’s relentless lines meant wickets kept falling just when Australia looked to press on.
- Smith: 66, tough but thwarted late
- Webster: 72, aggressive and composed
- Rabada & Jansen: wickets at key moments
When it was South Africa’s turn to bat, the script flipped fast. Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood took charge. They combined pace and precision, tearing straight through the Proteas’ top four. The scoreboard turned bleak quickly—Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and Wiaan Mulder were all back in the pavilion before fans could catch their breath, and by stumps South Africa limped to 43/4. Cricket’s famous dogfight between bat and ball was on full display under the gloomy London sky.
This match isn’t just about who lifts the trophy at Lord’s. For South Africa, this is about breaking a 27-year curse and grabbing a first ICC trophy for a generation of fans starved of glory. For Australia, it’s about staying at the top, defending their WTC crown, and continuing a golden era. While some critics have fussed over the WTC schedule and fairness, players on both teams just see it as one of the toughest prizes up for grabs. Pat Cummins called the WTC on par with cricket’s highest achievements—and Day 1 showed exactly why.