The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa began under the historic arches of Lord’s on June 11, with both teams eyeing cricket’s ultimate Test prize. Australia, the defending champions, faced a South African side making their maiden WTC final appearance, setting the stage for a battle of nerves and skill on cricket’s grandest stage. Day 1 saw bowlers dominate, but it was Marnus Labuschagne’s gravity-defying catch to dismiss Temba Bavuma that became the defining moment of the opening exchanges.

Marnus Labuschagne grabs a stunner to end Temba Bavuma’s stay on the crease

The tension was palpable as South Africa, having bundled out Australia for 212 thanks to Kagiso Rabada’s five-wicket haul, Proteas found themselves wobbling at 43/4 late on Day 2. Enter Bavuma, the South African captain, determined to anchor the innings and steer his team out of trouble. On 36, Bavuma faced Pat Cummins, who, on the second delivery of 40th over, delivered a fuller ball outside off, shaping away just enough to tempt a drive.

Bavuma, who had previously lofted drives over cover, attempted a more controlled, checked shot this time. The ball, however, failed to gain elevation and seemed destined to pierce the infield, until Labuschagne intervened. Stationed at cover, Labuschagne launched himself full-length to his right, both hands outstretched, and plucked the ball inches from the turf. The crowd at Lord’s erupted as Labuschagne completed the catch, dismissing Bavuma for a hard-fought 36 off 84 balls (4 fours, 1 six, SR 42.85). The athleticism, anticipation, and sheer audacity of the catch instantly made it a WTC final highlight, shifting momentum firmly in Australia’s favour.

Here’s the video:

Also WATCH: Temba Bavuma launches audacious six off Pat Cummins as a fan takes brilliant catch | SA vs AUS, Day 2

Australia tighten their grip as South Africa stumble on Day 2 of WTC final

As play resumed on Day 2, South Africa’s task was clear: rebuild from 43/ 4 and close the deficit on Australia’s first-innings total. However, the Australian pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood continued to exploit the seam-friendly conditions at Lord’s. Early in the session, Cummins’ double strike and Starc’s relentless accuracy kept the Proteas under pressure, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. By the end of the first session on Day 2, South Africa had crawled to 121/5 in 49 overs, still trailing by 91 runs and scoring at a modest rate of 2.46 runs per over. David Bedingham (39 not out) and Kyle Verreynne (11 not out) were left to shoulder the burden, with the lower order yet to face the Australian attack.

Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne meets AB de Villiers and signs shirts for his kids at Lord’s