A pivotal moment unfolded in the second session of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) Final when Steve Smith was dismissed by Aiden Markram, caught by Marco Jansen. Smith and Beau Webster had been building a solid partnership after lunch, and just as things were looking up for Australia, South Africa found a breakthrough.
With wickets hard to come by after the break and both batters settled at the crease, captain Temba Bavuma introduced part-time bowler Aiden Markram into the attack in the 42nd over. On the final delivery of the over, Markram bowled a well-flighted ball outside off. The Australian vice-captain attempted an expansive drive, but only managed to edge it. Jansen, stationed in the slips, took the catch on the third attempt, much to the relief of the South African fans.
Smith had come to the crease with Australia in trouble, having lost Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne in the same over. He was batting fluently and remains the top scorer for Australia so far, having made 66 runs off 112 balls, including 10 boundaries. His 79-run partnership with Webster from 114 deliveries had provided much-needed stability after lunch. However, following his dismissal, Australia again find themselves under pressure, with half their side already back in the dressing room halfway through the day.
Smith’s wicket was particularly significant given his impressive record at Lord’s. Having made his debut at the venue in 2010, he had played five Tests here before this match, scoring 525 runs at an average of 58.33, including two centuries and two fifties.
In the second session, 26.4 overs were bowled. Australia scored 123 runs, while South Africa claimed just one wicket. Webster and Alex Carey are at the crease. Webster is unbeaten on 55, having reached his fifty off 69 balls, and Carey is not out on 22. Australia are 190 for 5 at tea.
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