The South African Cricket Team Struggles on Day One of World Test Championship Final
South Africa faced a tough challenge on the opening day of the World Test Championship final against Australia in London. Despite a strong start, the Proteas found themselves in a precarious position at the close of play, trailing the defending champions by 169 runs with only six wickets in hand.
With bowlers from both teams dominating the game, a total of 14 wickets fell on the first day of the final. South Africa managed to restrict Australia to 212 runs in their first innings, thanks to an impressive performance by Kagiso Rabada, who took 5/51, and Marco Jansen, who returned 3/49.
However, the Proteas faltered in their own batting innings, losing their first four wickets for just 30 runs. Ryan Rickelton was the only batsman in the top five to reach double figures, scoring 16 runs. Captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham were left to salvage the innings, with Bavuma unbeaten on three and Bedingham on eight at the close of play.
Despite a strong start with the ball, South Africa will need to regroup and put up a solid batting performance in their second innings to challenge Australia in the World Test Championship final.
