Temba Bavuma's 'brave decision' applauded as 'unbelievable' catch delivers first session to South Africa in WTC final
Updated . First published at
South Africa's "brave decision" to bowl first at Lord's on day one of the World Test Championship final has been vindicated in a horror start for Australia.
The first session was ended by a piece of brilliance from wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who dismissed Travis Head (11) with a one-handed screamer.
Earlier, Usman Khawaja lasted 20 balls without scoring a run before he edged to slips.
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Kagiso Rabada was the man taking the wicket in his fourth over with a ball on the perfect off stump line.
David Bedingham had no problems taking the catch at first slip.
Kagiso Rabada celebrates dismissing Usman Khawaja. ICC via Getty Images
"That was a big moment, catching in this Test is going to be a key part of the game," Graeme Smith said on Amazon Prime.
Cameron Green came to the crease at first drop, ending his long-awaited absence from red-ball cricket due to injury.
He first shot was a leg glance for a boundary before he left the next delivery.
Rabada then found his off stump line again and Green edged to Aiden Markram at second slip to make it 2-16.
"Brilliant catching from the South Africans, Rabada on fire," Smith said.
Aiden Markram's catch to dismiss Cameron Green. Amazon Prime
Markram had to keep his eyes closely on the ball as third slip jumped across him.
"What a catch," Ravi Shastri said.
The second wicket brought Steve Smith on to the ground for what could be his last Test at Lord's.
Marnus Labuschagne then fell in the 18th over, caught behind off Marco Jansen for 17 off 56 balls.
The final wicket fell in Jansen's last over before lunch.
His delivery drifted across Head's body with the explosive Aussie edging behind as Verreynne dived to his right and took a one-handed screamer.
"Unbelievable piece of wicketkeeping ... Australia are reeling here," Ian Smith said.
Kyle Verreynne's catch to dismiss Travis Head. Amazon Prime
Graeme Smith added: "Travis Head will be hugely disappointed, this will be gutting for him ... a dominant first session for South Africa."
The former Proteas captain went on to applaud Bavuma's call at the toss.
"Brave decision and it's paid off," he said.
