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The highly-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final kickstarted between South Africa and Australia at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on Wednesday, June 11. The Protea skipper, Temba Bavuma won the toss and invited the Pat Cummins-led defending champions to put the score on the board first.
Kagiso Rabada was the wrecker-in-chief as he got two early wickets in the Australia first innings and then picked three more to complete a fifer as the Pat Cummins & Co. were bundled out for 212 in 56.4 overs. On the other hand, the Aussie bowlers too had a decent day as they demolished the Protean top-order.
Don’t nick the part-time off-spinner: Steven Smith’s reaction to his dismissal goes viral
After the day 1 saw the Temba Bavuma-led side finish at 43/4 in 22 overs, it was Steven Smith, who appeared for the press conference. Smith, who scored a 112-ball 66 in the first innings reacted on his stay in the middle stating, “I felt in a nice place, I love batting here at Lord’s. I enjoyed my time out there while I was out there (but) left a few in the shed unfortunately.”
Later, when inquired about his dismissal to Aiden Markram, Steven Smith quickly replied, “Don’t nick the part-time off-spinner. Down the slope. I’m still trying to fathom how I’ve done that,” leaving everyone in the room in laughter. It is to be noted that Smith’s inning proved crucial for the Aussies, forming a formidable partnership with Beau Webster for the fifth wicket.
Watch video of Steven Smith’s response on his dismissal:
Furthermore, during his knock, Smith surpassed Sir Don Bradman’s tally of 551 runs and Warren Bradsley’s record of 575 runs at Lord’s. At Stumps on Day 1 of the WTC 2025 Final, South Africa trail by 169 runs with Temba Bavuma (3 off 37) and David Bedingham (8 off 9) in the middle.
