Australia’s mid-innings collapse in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa has dramatically shifted the contest and left the championship wide open, intensifying the tension at Lord’s. The match, which began with both teams exchanging blows, saw Australia, the reigning champions, falter at a crucial juncture on Day 2, allowing South Africa to stay firmly in contention for the title.
After bowling out South Africa for a modest 212 in the first innings, Australia appeared to have the upper hand. The Australian pacers, led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, had exerted significant pressure on the Proteas, reducing them to 43 for 4 by the close of Day 1. The bowling effort was spearheaded by Cummins and Starc, who combined to take key wickets and keep South Africa’s top order in check.
However, Australia’s batting lineup struggled to build on their advantage. The hosts were dismissed for 212, with Steve Smith top-scoring with a gritty 66, supported by Beau Webster’s resilient 72 and Alex Carey’s useful 23. Despite these efforts, the innings was punctuated by regular wickets, with South African bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen wreaking havoc. Rabada’s fiery spell yielded five wickets, while Jansen contributed three, dismantling the Australian batting order with precision.
On Day 2, Australia’s second innings began on a shaky note. The team collapsed to 144 for 8 by stumps, extending their overall lead to just 218 runs. This collapse was marked by a series of quick wickets, which South Africa exploited expertly to keep themselves in the hunt. The Australian middle and lower order failed to capitalize on the start, and the pressure mounted as South Africa’s bowlers maintained their relentless attack.
South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Rabada and Jansen, continued their impressive form, dismantling Australia’s batting with clinical efficiency. The collapse not only reduced Australia’s lead but also shifted momentum towards South Africa, who now have a realistic chance to chase down the target or set a challenging total themselves. The Proteas’ ability to strike at crucial moments has kept the contest finely balanced and the championship wide open.
This dramatic turn of events has made the World Test Championship final one of the most thrilling and unpredictable encounters in recent memory. Australia, despite their collapse, still hold a slender lead, but the pressure is firmly on them to recover and post a defendable total. South Africa, on the other hand, have been buoyed by their bowlers’ performances and will look to capitalize on Australia’s vulnerability in the upcoming sessions.
The match so far has showcased the high quality and intensity of Test cricket at the highest level. Both teams have displayed moments of brilliance, with Australia’s initial bowling dominance and South Africa’s spirited fightback with the ball. The batting collapses and breakthroughs have kept fans on the edge of their seats, underscoring the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in Test cricket.
In conclusion, Australia’s mid-innings collapse has injected fresh excitement into the World Test Championship final, leaving the title wide open as the contest heads into its crucial stages. South Africa’s persistence and skill have ensured they remain very much in the hunt, setting the stage for a gripping finish at Lord’s. The outcome now hinges on how Australia’s batsmen respond under pressure and whether South Africa’s bowlers can maintain their momentum to clinch the prestigious championship.