Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden commented on day one of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s between Australia and South Africa, emphasizing that the Proteas need to show more batting intent on day two. Australia finished at 212 all out while South Africa struggled at 43-4 at stumps, with Kagiso Rabada claiming five wickets for the Proteas and Mitchell Starc striking twice for Australia.Steve Smith scored 66 runs and Beau Webster contributed 72 runs for Australia, being the only significant batting performances of the day. Rabada finished with figures of 5/51, while Marco Jansen took 3/49.South Africa had won the first session, reducing Australia to 67/4, but lost momentum as the day progressed. Australia bounced back strongly in the final session, taking nine wickets across both innings.
“I am 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. I would say maybe 80 per cent in Australia’s favour, largely because of South Africa’s lack of intent,” Hayden said.Hayden criticised South African captain Bavuma’s approach, noting his slow start in opening his account on the 31st ball. “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 do not, Australia will come into Day 2 as firm favourites,” he added.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player?Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believed the day belonged to Australia. “With the amount of seam movement on this pitch, the scoreboard does not reflect a par score. Australia is in a strong position,” Bangar stated.Bangar also commented on South Africa’s approach, suggesting they need positive intent and proper footwork. “Steve Smith was exceptional–when conditions were tough, he pushed the pressure back on the bowlers. Also, someone like Ngidi had an off day and leaked runs. Australia’s bowlers didn’t offer any width. If South Africa want to score square, they must first find a way to create that width–and that comes with intent,” he said.Australia’s innings saw a crucial 79-run partnership between Smith and Webster, followed by Webster’s 46-run stand with Alex Carey, who scored 23 runs.South Africa’s response was poor, with none of their batsmen reaching 20 runs. Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets, while Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood took one each.At stumps, South Africa trailed by 169 runs with six wickets remaining in their first innings.
