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South Africa batters will need to play more positively on the second day of WTC 2025 final against Australia at Lord’s on Thursday.

The WTC 2025 Final Day 1 ended on an even keel with defending champions Australia striking back with the ball after being bowled out for 212. Pat Cummins-led side reduced South Africa to 43 for 4 as 14 wickets fell on an exciting opening day at Lord’s in London on Wednesday.

Former Australia opener and new inductee to ICC Hall of Fame, Matthew Hayden believes that Temba Bavuma’s side need to show more ‘intent’ on the second if they hope to remain on top in this title clash.

JioStar expert Matthew Hayden offered a session-by-session breakdown after Day 1. “I’m not entirely convinced it was Australia’s day. South Africa won the first session, and Australia’s comeback in the final session—nine wickets in all—was surprising. The conditions were odd: cloudy for half the day and sunny for the other half. Batting should have been easier, but it wasn’t,” Hayden said.

“I’d say maybe 80% in Australia’s favour, largely because of South Africa’s lack of intent. That started with Temba Bavuma. As a captain, it’s not just about bowling changes—it’s also about setting the tone with the bat. He showed little vigour, and that’s dangerous when facing three world-class fast bowlers in conditions that suit them. They need to come out with more intent on Day 2. Any signs of aggression—even those few boundaries late in the day—will help. But if they don’t, Australia will come into Day 2 as firm favourites.”

Taking cue from Hayden, the Proteas have started the second day on a positive note. Skipper Bavuma, who tool 31 balls to get off the mark on the opening day, survived a torrid spell from Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood before opening up. But just when he was starting to look good in the middle while batting on 36, he gave a catch to Marnus Labuschagne in the covers off Cummins.

Bavuma’s knock was studded with 4 fours and a six. The SA skipper’s wicket ended a 63-run partnership for the 5th wicket with David Bedingham. South Africans had put on 51 runs on the second day before Aussies finally got the breakthrough.

JioStar expert Sanjay Bangar assessed the balance of Day 1 of the match. “Clearly, it was Australia’s day. They were on the back foot during the first session when South Africa bowled brilliantly — just 66 runs and four wickets in two hours. Then came a fightback through the Smith–Webster partnership. South Africa tried to claw back, but by losing four wickets later, they handed the advantage back to Australia. With the amount of seam movement on this pitch, the scoreboard doesn’t reflect a par score. Australia is in a strong position,” former Team India assistant coach Bangar said.

JioStar expert and former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn reflected on Mitchell Starc’s impact with the ball. “He’s really quick through the air, and I certainly think he rushes a lot of batsmen. When you’re a bit nervous and your feet aren’t moving the way you want — just like Aiden Markram — he was caught in the crease, unsure whether to go forward or not. Starc had already gone past the bat a few times, maybe even beaten him on the inside edge once or twice. Then Rickelton decided he could hit it through the covers, and, the best Test bowlers in the world have this ability to pull their length back just slightly. A batter thinks he’s got it covered, but then it kicks up, moves just a little more, finds the edge.

“That’s what Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood have done so well over the years. But it’s also about big-match temperament. He’s done it before, he believes he can do it again—and when he does, it becomes a habit. He also builds a reputation. He gets the backing of his captain. We know how he’s going to do it, and if you look at his wickets, they’re all very similar.”