The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final got underway at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Wednesday, as cricket fans across the globe tuned in for the blockbuster clash between South Africa and Australia. With both teams entering the final after dominant campaigns, expectations were sky-high for a fierce contest. South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that paid off handsomely in the opening session.

Marco Jansen removes Labuschagne with a peach of a delivery

Amid an already dominant bowling display by the Proteas, young left-arm pacer Marco Jansen produced a moment of magic to send Marnus Labuschagne packing. On the last ball of the 18th over, Jansen went round the wicket and bowled a good-length delivery just outside off with a scrambled seam. Labuschagne, unsure with his footwork, prodded at the ball and edged it behind to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who made no mistake.

The South African team erupted in celebration as Jansen claimed his first wicket of the day. The delivery held its line just enough to beat Labuschagne’s tentative defense — a testament to Jansen’s subtle seam movement and disciplined line.

Here’s the video:

🫵 pic.twitter.com/oq4VoippPx

— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) June 11, 2025

Also READ: Fans troll Usman Khwaja for his appalling 20-ball duck on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final

South Africa take control in the first session

South Africa’s pace unit continued to dominate the first session, reducing Australia to 67/4 by lunch. Kagiso Rabada struck twice early, while Jansen not only dismissed Labuschagne but also got rid of the dangerous Travis Head just before the break.

With conditions at Lord’s aiding swing and seam, the Proteas bowlers have seized control and put their side firmly on top in the opening session of this much-anticipated final.

Also WATCH: Aiden Markram plucks a blinder to dismiss Cameron Green on Day 1 of WTC 2025 Final – SA vs AUS