Australia topple S Africa top order to take charge of WTC final

LONDON :South Africa were reeling on 43-4 at stumps on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday after dismissing defending champions Australia for 212.

Seamer Kagiso Rabada took 5-51 as South Africa’s bowling unit made a strong start to the match but their inexperienced batting line-up came under fire as soon as they began their reply.

Australia’s fast bowling attack proved as fearsome as anything South Africa had to offer and by the close of play they were firmly in command.

"I think we're in a good spot. We've probably had a few missed opportunities with the bat to try and get a bigger total, but I think the wicket's offered something all day," said Australia's Steve Smith.

South Africa trail Australia by 169 runs after a day on which 14 wickets fell and captain Temba Bavuma (3) and David Bedingham (8) will resume on Thursday with a daunting task ahead.

"We feel there is a lot of opportunity still left in the contest," Rabada said.

A see-saw contest started with South Africa’s decision to put Australia in to bat in a calculated gamble on a good pitch but with cloudy conditions that Bavuma sought to capitalise on.

It was vindicated when Rabada and Marco Jansen took two wickets each to leave Australia struggling on 67-4 at lunch, with Marnus Labuschagne’s first innings as an opener ending after 17 runs and the returning Cameron Green lasting only three balls.

When the sun came out at the start of the second session, however, Smith and Beau Webster added 79 runs for the fifth wicket before Smith was dismissed by part-time spinner Aiden Markram for 66.

It was the only wicket to fall in the afternoon session as Australia advanced to 190-5 at tea, only for fortunes to swing back South Africa’s way