Steve Smith Sets Record for Most Runs by Visiting Batter at Lord’s in WTC Final

Steve Smith became the highest-scoring visiting batter at Lord's during Day 1 of the World Test Championship final against South Africa by scoring 51 runs, surpassing Warren Bardsley's previous record of 575 runs set in 1912. Smith's innings helped stabilize Australia's batting after an early collapse caused by South Africa's pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who took key wickets under overcast conditions. Rabada, returning from a one-month ban, was particularly effective, taking two wickets in four balls and conceding just nine runs in six overs. Australia's top order included Marnus Labuschagne opening alongside Usman Khawaja, with Cameron Green promoted to number three despite recent back surgery. Smith's strong record at Lord's, including multiple centuries and half-centuries, has made him a favorite to score the most runs for Australia in the match. The South African bowlers' aggressive tactics and sharp catching kept Australia under pressure, with the team reduced to 67 for 4 at lunch.