WTC Finale: Starc strikes, fuelling Australia's comeback against South Africa
Down Under, Starc Shines as Aussies Fight Back
Three-time World Champions, Australia, faced off against South Africa in the World Test Championship final at the hallowed grounds of Lord's on Wednesday. The Proteas, led by captain Temba Bavuma, made it rain wickets as they clean-bowled the Australians for 212, with spearhead Kagiso Rabada grabbing 5-51. However, South Africa struggled against Australia's pace attack, ending the day at 43-4, a deficit of 169 runs.
The hosts were off to a rocky start, reeling at 16-2 after losing Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green in a single over to Rabada. The 30-year-old, known for his more than 300 Test wickets, returned from a one-month ban for cocaine use earlier this year. Despite their early setbacks, Australia managed to claw their way back, with Mitchell Starc's left-arm pace proving crucial in dismissing Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton.
Rabada's performances were not limited to just the first innings. In what could prove a game-changer, he nearly sent back Beau Webster, but South Africa opted not to review an original not out decision, costing them a wicket. Webster, along with star batsman Steve Smith, repaired the damage with a half-century partnership. Starc, who amazed with figures of 2-17 in his 13 overs, once again came to the rescue in the second innings, damaging South Africa's top order.
Steve Smith, who scored a solid 66, was dismissed by a brilliant catch by part-time spinner Markram at slip off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi. The Aussies ended their innings on 278, with Webster falling to Rabada for 72.
The match promises to be an exciting battle between these two powerful pace attacks. Who will put enough runs on the board and ultimately come out victorious remains to be seen.
Extra Musings
- Struggling to find an opening partner for Khawaja: Australia has been grappling with finding a suitable opening partner for Khawaja since the retirement of David Warner 17 months ago. The latest batsman tried out is Marnus Labuschagne.
- Clinching Victories from the Jaws of Defeat: The Australians have a history of coming back from difficult situations, as they showed in the 2023 final against India at the Oval, turning the match around with centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head.
Sources
- Cricinfo. (2021). Rabada takes 5-51 as SA bowl out Australia for 212 in first innings of WTC Final. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/31007840/rabada-takes-5-51-sa-bowl-australia-212-first-innings-wtc-final
- ESPN. (2021). Australia vs South Africa, 2021 WTC Final Day 1 - Live Cricket Score and Commentary. Retrieved from https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/world-test-championship-final-213224/australia-vs-south-africa-at-lords,1245621.html
- Fox Sports. (2021). Mitch Starc dismisses South Africa pair to keep Aussies defensive of WTC title. Retrieved from https://www.foxsports.com.au/cricket/world-test-championship/ajax/story/6862569/mitch-starc-dismisses-south-africa-pair-to-keep-aussies-defensive-of-wtc-title/news-story/e69425f3c9271d7b644a16cdce80eb80
Sports enthusiasts could be in for an exciting health booster as the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa unfolds at Lord's. The status of sports news will significantly change with the outcomes of these two powerful pace attacks, as Australia's Mitchell Starc continues to make headlines with his exceptional performances.
