Cricket
AFL
Motorsport
Basketball test
Combat Sports
Netball
Football
Smith makes history as 14 wickets fall on day one
SEN • June 12th, 2025 8:32 am
Fourteen wickets fell on the opening of the World test Championship at Lord’s with controversial fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claiming five to help bowl Australia out for a modest 212.
Much was said of both sides pace attack in the lead up to the final so the key question was always going to be who could get the most runs on the board.
It was Steve Smith and Beau Webster that led the rescue mission scoring 66 and 72 respectively with Australia at a perilous 67-4.
Had South Africa reviewed earlier in his innings, Webster would have been out for 8 in what proved a huge mistake for the Proteas and a free pass for the Aussies.
For Smith it was a historic moment as it took his career total al Lord’s to 591 elevating him above Don Bradman (551), Garry Sobers (571) and Warren Bardsley (575) for the most at the home of cricket by a touring player.
The record has stood since 1926.
As for South Africa, they face thew Aussie onslaught going into the early evening with Mitch Starc removing openers Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton cheaply before Markram departed for a duck.
Shortly before stumps Pat Cummins bowled Wiaan Mulder before Josh Hazlewood removed Tristan Stubbs leaving South Africa 43-4.
“Two good bowling outfits, it was tough work for the batters,” Webster told the BBC.
“We’ve got a score on the board and to grab four scalps at the end of the day, I think we’re pretty happy.”
Smith echoed his teammate’s sentiments on the performance of the South African bowlers.
“They’ve done it for a long time haven’t they. Today was no different. They all bowled really nicely,” Smith said.
“When you know you’ve only got a couple of hours to bowl in the night you can probably give a little bit more knowing you’re going to have a break afterwards.
“The boys bowled a couple of long spells. They keep coming again and again and have done it for a long time.
“I looked up today and kind of forget every now and then Starcy has played 97 Tests which is a hell of an effort for a fast bowler.
“He’s just relentless with his body. He’s a tough character. He bowls through a lot of pain. The three have been great and hopefully they can come again in the morning and make a few early inroads.”
__The first ball of day two is set for 7:30 pm (AEST) on Wednesday.
