Bowlers Dominate Day One of World Test Final

The first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord's saw fast bowlers dominate as 14 wickets fell, with South Africa ending at 43-4 in response to Australia's 212. Australia recovered from early trouble through Steve Smith's 66 and Beau Webster's 72, their partnership stabilizing the innings before Kagiso Rabada's five-wicket haul dismissed them. South Africa opted to bowl first under overcast skies, a decision that yielded early breakthroughs. However, Australia's pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood—quickly put South Africa's inexperienced batting order under pressure. Captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham will resume with South Africa trailing by 169 runs. The contest remains evenly poised with bowlers holding the advantage.