Follow live coverage of South Africa v Australia from the ICC World Test Championship final today.
The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021, before Australia assumed the crown in 2023.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said defending the title was high on the priority list, even after all their country’s success in the limited-overs formats. “It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”
South Africa are meanwhile backing fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to bring extra motivation after serving a one-month drugs ban. Rabada tested positive for cocaine in January, which was only revealed in April, and served a one-month ban while competing in the Indian Premier League. “It’s definitely a motivation, It’s been a couple of weeks now that everything has unfolded,” Bavuma said.
Follow all the latest live coverage of today’s match in the live blog below.
South Africa v Australia live
- World Test Championship final day one at Lord's
- Australia aiming to defend their crown as South Africa reach first WTC final
- WICKET! Jansen removes Head to leave Australia 67-4 with Proteas on top at lunch on Day 1
South Africa vs Australia
15:4352.1
FOUR! Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot Steer, well timed past third man for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:4251.6
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, off stump on the back foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
15:4251.5
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to backward point for no runs, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
15:4151.4
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly point for no runs, fielded by Bedingham.
South Africa vs Australia
15:4151.3
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
15:4151.2
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to cover for 1 run, dropped catch by Bedingham.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3951.1
OUT! Bowled. Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey. Stock ball half volley, off stump on the front foot reverse sweeping, missed.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3750.6
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3750.5
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3650.4
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster. Length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, mis-timed back to bowler for no runs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3650.3
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3550.2
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, inside edge to square leg for 1 run, fielded by Mulder.
South Africa vs Australia
15:3550.1
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster. Back of a length, off stump on the back foot working, to fine leg for 1 run, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1349.6
Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey. Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, to short fine leg for no runs, fielded by Mulder.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1349.5
Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1249.4
Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey. Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, bottom edge to short fine leg for no runs, fielded by Mulder.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1249.3
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1149.2
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1149.1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to backward point for no runs, fielded by Mulder.
South Africa vs Australia
15:1048.6
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, to deep mid wicket for 2 runs, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0948.5
No ball Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. In-swinging length ball, to leg on the back foot working, hit pad to short extra cover and it was a no ball, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0948.5
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Length ball, off stump on the front foot driving, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0848.4
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0748.3
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, well timed to deep backward point for 3 runs, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0748.2
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0648.1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0547.6
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed back to bowler for no runs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0447.5
FOUR! Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, bottom edge past third man for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0447.4
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0347.3
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Length ball, off stump on the front foot working, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0247.2
FOUR! Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, outside edge past third man for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0247.1
Marco Jansen to Beau Webster. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, inside edge to short leg for 1 run.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0146.6
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, wide outside off stump on the back foot cutting, to deep point for 1 run, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
15:0046.5
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to cover for no runs, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5946.4
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, well timed to gully for no runs, run save by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5846.3
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to square leg for 1 run, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5846.2
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, hit pad to gully for no runs, fielded by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5746.1
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5645.6
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Length ball, middle stump on the front foot working, to deep backward square leg for 1 run, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5645.5
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5545.4
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, thick edge to gully for no runs, fielded by Mulder.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5545.3
FOUR! Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control past deep backward square leg for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5445.2
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, missed for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5345.1
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5244.6
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to backward point for 1 run, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5144.5
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. Seaming in back of a length, wide outside off stump on the back foot cutting, bottom edge to silly point for no runs, fielded by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5044.4
FOUR! Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. In-swinging length ball, wide outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed past deep cover for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:5044.3
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to mid on for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4844.2
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, off stump on the front foot working, to fine leg for 1 run, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4844.1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, bottom edge to leg slip for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4743.6
Aiden Markram to Beau Webster. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, well timed in the air under control to fine leg for 3 runs, run save by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4643.5
Aiden Markram to Beau Webster. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4643.4
Aiden Markram to Alex Carey. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to cover for 1 run, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4543.3
Aiden Markram to Alex Carey. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4543.2
Aiden Markram to Alex Carey. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, to backward point for no runs, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4443.1
APPEAL! Aiden Markram to Alex Carey. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot sweeping, Gloved to short leg for no runs, fielded by Bedingham, appeal made for L.B.W.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4242.6
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to mid off for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4142.5
No ball Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to cover and it was a no ball, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4142.5
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot Steer, to gully for no runs, fielded by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:4042.4
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, missed for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3942.3
FOUR! Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Seaming in length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, inside edge past fine leg for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3942.2
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot Leave, Left for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
OUT! Steven Smith c Jansen b Markram 66, Australia 146/5 (42)
14:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat a moment! Done in by the part time offie!
Oh, Steven. Australia’s No 4 had looked absolutely nailed on for another Lord’s ton, cruising up past 50 and onwards having found a willing and able parnter in Beau Webster. But that’s a really soft dismissal, a hard-handed clap at a wide half-volley that Smith doesn’t quite get to, and a thick edge eventually clasped by the long fingers of Marco Jansen at the third or fourth attempt. It did feel like a bit of a strange choice from Temba Bavuma to throw the ball to Aiden Markram given how well his seamers have bowled - but he’s got the key wicket and South Africa can now eye inroads into the tail.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3842.2
No ball Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to cover and it was a no ball, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3742.1
No ball Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to short extra cover and it was a no ball.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3742.1
FOUR! Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, well timed past deep cover for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3541.6
OUT! Caught. Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break half volley, wide outside off stump on the front foot driving, outside edge to first slip, caught by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3441.5
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot driving, to short mid wicket for no runs, run save by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3341.4
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to backward square leg for no runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3341.3
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3241.2
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3241.1
Aiden Markram to Beau Webster. Off break length ball, off stump on the back foot working, to deep backward square leg for 1 run, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3140.6
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep point for 1 run, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3040.5
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, off stump on the back foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bedingham.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3040.4
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot sweeping, in the air under control to fine leg for 1 run.
South Africa vs Australia
14:3040.3
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep point for 1 run, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2940.2
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bedingham.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2940.1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, off stump on the front foot pushing, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bedingham.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2839.6
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to gully for no runs, run save by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2739.5
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2739.4
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot working, to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2539.3
FOUR! Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, well timed past deep backward point for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2439.2
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2439.1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot working, to silly mid on for no runs, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2338.6
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock ball half volley, off stump on the front foot driving, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2238.5
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2238.4
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2138.3
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, off stump on the front foot defending, back to bowler for no runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2138.2
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to deep cover for 1 run, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:2038.1
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock ball half volley, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to long off for 1 run, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1937.6
FOUR! Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster. Length ball, wide outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed past deep extra cover for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1937.5
APPEAL! Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to cover for no runs, fielded by Rickelton, appeal made for L.B.W.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1737.4
FOUR! Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster. In-swinging length ball, middle stump on the front foot glancing, well timed past fine leg for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1637.3
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot flick, inside edge to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1637.2
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1537.1
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, mis-timed to short leg for 1 run, fielded by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1136.6
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, mis-timed to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1136.5
FOUR! Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, well timed in the air under control past deep mid wicket for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1036.4
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, to point for no runs, run save by Mulder.
South Africa vs Australia
14:1036.3
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith. Stock length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
