South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first at Lord’s. Their pacers made an immediate impact. As a result, Australia lost four wickets for just 67 runs before lunch. The Proteas dominated the opening session.

Smith and Webster Build a Recovery

However, the momentum shifted after the break. Steve Smith and Beau Webster led Australia’s recovery. They stitched a crucial 79-run stand for the fifth wicket. Smith, known for scoring big at Lord’s, delivered again under pressure. He scored 66 runs from 112 balls, including 10 boundaries. He brought up his half-century in 78 balls with classy strokes and solid defense.

Meanwhile, Webster provided strong support. Together, they frustrated South Africa’s bowlers. Yet, the partnership ended when part-time bowler Aiden Markram broke through. He dismissed Smith, and as commentators noted, it was “the only breakthrough for South Africa in the session.”

Webster Stays Unbeaten, Carey Adds Spark

Even after Smith’s dismissal, Webster kept scoring. He played confidently and stayed unbeaten on 55 from 76 balls before the tea break. He hit eight boundaries. At the other end, Alex Carey contributed a quick 22 from 29 balls with four boundaries.

By this time, Australia had crossed 100 in 32.1 overs and reached 150 in 42.1 overs. Clearly, the middle-order resistance had helped rebuild their innings.

Late Collapse Ends Australia's Innings

In the final session, Australia resumed at 190/5 with Webster and Carey at the crease. But soon, Carey was bowled by Keshav Maharaj for 23 at 192.

Next, Kagiso Rabada dismissed skipper Pat Cummins for just 1 at the score of 199. Then, Webster guided the team past 200 with a single. However, he got out in the 55th over after scoring 72 off 92 balls.

Afterward, Marco Jansen dismissed Nathan Lyon for a duck at 211. Moments later, Hazlewood also fell without scoring. Consequently, Australia were bowled out for 212.

Rabada starred with 5 wickets for 51 runs. Jansen picked up 3 for 49. Maharaj and Markram claimed one wicket each.

Australian Pacers Hit Back

In reply, South Africa had a nightmare start. Mitchell Starc removed Aiden Markram in the very first over. Then, at 19, he struck again to dismiss Ryan Rickelton for 16.

Soon after, Wian Mulder came in but scored only 6 before falling at 25. Moreover, Josh Hazlewood sent back Tristan Stubbs for 2, deepening South Africa’s troubles.

By stumps, the Proteas were reeling at 43/4. Captain Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) remained not out. At this stage, they trailed Australia by 169 runs.

Australian Bowlers Shine Late

The Australian bowlers bowled with great control. Starc took 2 wickets for just 10 runs in 7 overs. Both Cummins and Hazlewood chipped in with one wicket each. Clearly, they put South Africa under severe pressure.

Brief Scorecard