On a day when the world’s greatest cricket venue lived up to its storied reputation, Australia’s left-arm quick Mitchell Starc produced a spell of genuine class to rattle South Africa’s top order in the opening session of the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. With overcast skies lending assistance to the seamers, Starc seized the moment, claiming the key scalp of Ryan Rickelton as his second wicket to put Australia firmly on top in their reply to South Africa’s first-innings total.
Having bowled a probing first over in which he removed Aiden Markram with a full inswinger that crashed into middle stump, Starc returned shortly afterwards to make the ball talk once more. Rickelton, who had shown positive intent by cutting one delivery through the off side for four, fell victim to Starc’s calculated adjustment in length. The fast bowler pitched one a touch fuller, the new ball seamed away late from the right-hander, and Rickelton, looking to drive on the up, could only edge the ball to first slip where the catch was taken with safe hands. The scoreboard read 19 for 2, and Australia had seized control inside the first nine overs.
Starc’s opening burst yielded figures of two for eleven from seven overs, including three maidens, and epitomised the ruthless efficiency that has made him one of the finest quicks of his generation. His ability to swing the ball both ways at pace, combined with immaculate accuracy, left South Africa’s opening duo floundering. Even when conditions ebbed slightly, he maintained relentless pressure, his rhythm and aggression never waning.
The early breakthroughs did not go unnoticed at Lord’s, where a usually reserved crowd found itself on its feet applauding each delivery that zipped past bat or beat the edge. Australia’s captain and chief pacer, Pat Cummins, lauded Starc’s performance as “the kind of spell that shifts momentum in Tests,” noting that such incisive bowling at the start of an innings can define the course of a match. Cummins himself would later chip in with a wicket, but it was Starc who laid the foundation for Australia’s resurgence.
Australia had a point to prove after being bundled out for a modest total earlier in the day, and Starc’s fiery display provided the perfect riposte. His aggression and skill mirrored the attacking intent that his team adopted, ensuring that South Africa’s batsmen could not settle. The psychological edge gained by seeing two top-order batsmen back in the pavilion under ten overs cannot be overstated, particularly in the high-stakes context of a one-off final.
As the day progressed, the pitch showed signs of easing and runs became more available, but Starc’s early heroics had already tilted the contest in Australia’s favour. South Africa found themselves reduced to thirty-four for four at stumps, with a mountain to climb if they were to establish any control in the match. The wicket of Rickelton, in particular, stood out as a turning point—the moment when the balance irreversibly swung towards the visitors.
Looking ahead to the second day, Australia will take immense confidence from Starc’s performance. Enthused by his mastery of seam movement and backed by a potent supporting cast, they will aim to press home their advantage and chase South Africa’s target with the same ruthless intent. For Starc, the early double strike serves as a reminder of his match-winning capabilities, and of his vital role in what promises to be a thrilling World Test Championship Final.
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