Australia’s star batter Steve Smith believes his team is in a solid position after Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa in London.
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first. The pitch offered help to the bowlers throughout the day. Australia managed to post a fighting total, thanks in part to a gritty half-century from Smith. He stood out among the Australian batters with a steady 66 before falling to part-time spinner Aiden Markram. Smith edged the ball to Marco Jansen at first slip.
Late in the day, Mitchell Starc led a strong comeback with the ball. Australia’s pace attack struck hard, reducing South Africa to 43/4 at stumps. Smith, speaking after the day 1 of WTC Final, felt his side had gained the upper hand.
“I think we’re in a good place,” Smith said. “We could’ve scored more runs, but the pitch had something in it all day. We’re in a strong position.”
He added that a little more movement in the morning could work in Australia’s favour again.
Smith looked comfortable during his time at the crease, handling bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen with ease. However, he was visibly annoyed after getting out to Markram.
“I’m still trying to figure out how I got out like that,” Smith said, frustrated with the dismissal.
Despite his dismissal, Smith reached a new milestone during his innings. He now holds the record for the most 50-plus scores in England by a visiting batter. His 18th such score pushed him past Australian legend Allan Border.
Looking ahead to Day 2, Australia will be aiming for early wickets. Overcast skies helped South African bowlers on the first morning. Smith hopes the same cloudy conditions return on Thursday.
Rabada and Jansen made full use of the swing-friendly conditions early on. They took key wickets as Australia lost four batters in the morning session. Now, Australia’s pace trio will look to do the same.
“When you only have a short burst to bowl before stumps, you can give that extra push,” Smith said. “The bowlers were excellent. Hopefully, they do the same in the morning and get a few more quick wickets.”
Starc led the attack with two wickets. Captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also took one each. Their combined effort stopped South Africa from building momentum.
Australia ended Day 1 of WTC Final with momentum in their favour. A strong batting effort, led by Steve Smith, and a fiery spell with the ball late in the day, gave them the edge. With South Africa struggling at 43/4, Australia will aim to press their advantage on Day 2 at Lord’s.