Starc strikes as Australia fight back in WTC final against South Africa

AFP | London

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Mitchell Starc led Australia’s recovery as the defending champions fought back with the ball against South Africa on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday.

Australia were dismissed for just 212 after South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss in bowler-friendly conditions, with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada taking 5-51.

But at stumps South Africa had slumped to 43-4 in reply, a deficit of 169 runs, as Starc finished the day with figures of 2-10 in seven overs.

South Africa’s Marco Jansen, who took 3-49, admitted it had been a mixed day for the Proteas, telling the BBC: “Bowling-wise I think we did really well... They bowled well and we are going to have our work cut out for us tomorrow.”

Given the strength of both teams’ pace attacks, the key question was always likely to be which side could put enough runs on the scoreboard.

Australia’s total certainly looked a lot healthier when left-arm quick Starc had Aiden Markram playing on for a duck before dismissing Ryan Rickelton (16) to leave South Africa floundering at 19-2.

Novice number three Wiaan Mulder, dropped on one, was bowled by Australia captain Pat Cummins, having taken 44 balls to make six.

And shortly before the close, Josh Hazlewood bowled Tristan Stubbs.

Australia had earlier slumped to 67-4 at lunch.

But star batsman Steve Smith (66) and all-rounder Beau Webster (72) repaired the damage with a fifth-wicket stand of 79.

“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.”