3 things South Africa need to do right to bounce back on Day 2 of SA vs AUS 2025 WTC Final ft. Batting intent
Fourteen wickets fell on Day 1 of the ICC 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's on Wednesday, June 11. Bowling first after winning the toss, the Proteas bundled out the Aussies for 212 in 56.4 overs as Kagiso Rabada claimed 5-51 and Marco Jansen 3-49. For Australia, Beau Webster top-scored with 72, while Steve Smith chipped in with 66.
Having been bowled out for a disappointing score, the Aussies made a brilliant comeback to reduce South Africa to 43-4 by stumps on Day 1. Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc once again delivered on the big stage, dismissing both the opposition openers cheaply. Skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also chipped in with one wicket each.
Considering that as many as 14 wickets fell on the opening day of the 2025 WTC final, Day 2 would be extremely crucial in determining which way the Test at Lord's is heading. On that note, we analyze three things South Africa need to do right on Thursday to bounce back in the contest.
#1 Show better intent with the bat
Although South Africa bowled out Australia for 212 on the opening day of the 2025 WTC final, it would be fair to say that the Aussies ended the day with the upper hand. This is because the Proteas did not show any intent with the bat and allowed Australia's fast bowlers to dominate.
Of course, one wouldn't have expected the South African batters to go after the strong Australian bowling line-up. However, by completely going into their shells, the Proteas batters played into the opposition's hands. The fact that they lost four wickets in 22 overs despite adopting an ultra-defensive approach proves the same.
Batting at No. 3, Wiaan Mulder faced 44 balls, but only ended up scoring six runs when he was cleaned up by Cummins. Skipper Temba Bavuma went to stumps at three off 37 balls. South Africa need to be a bit more assertive with the bat on Day 2. Else, the Australian bowlers could continue to dominate the proceedings. It remains to be seen who throws the counter-punch from South Africa's batting unit.
#2 South African tail needs to wag
With South Africa having lost four wickets for under 50 runs on Day 1 of the 2025 WTC final, they will need their tail to contribute with the willow on Thursday. Bavuma and David Bedingham are currently at the crease and South Africa would hope that they can put together a decent partnership.
Keeper Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen would also be expected to come up with crucial contributions. However, the performance of the lower order could be extremely significant in the context of the match. Keshav Maharaj has the technique to hang around, while Rabada can hit a few boundaries. Some runs from Lungi Ngidi would definitely aid South Africa's cause.
#3 Try to gain the first-innings lead
Considering that bowlers dominated Day 1 of the 2025 WTC final Test at Lord's, it is highly likely that the contest could end up being a low-scoring one. In that sense, the first-innings lead could prove to be extremely crucial. Both teams would be looking to clinch the lead of Day 2.
South Africa will begin Day 2 trailing Australia by 169 runs. Their first objective will be to get as close as possible to the Aussies' first-innings total of 212. As of now, that looks a long way away. The Proteas will have to bat really well for the first two sessions on Day 2 to ensure that they get near Australia's first-innings total.
South Africa, however, must look to get at least a 50-run lead in the first innings. In a low-scoring game, even a smallish lead could have a huge bearing on the eventual result of the Test match. On the contrary, if the Proteas end up conceding the first-innings lead, Australia could snatch the game away from them.