Pacers Lord Over Batters on Day One

As many as 14 wickets fall as fast bowlers from both SA and Oz dominate proceedings

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

CAUGHT first slip. Caught second slip. Caught keeper. Caught keeper. Caught first slip. Bowled. Bowled. Caught first slip. Bowled. Bowled. Bowled. Caught first slip. Bowled. Bowled.

There was a very clear trend behind all 14 wickets to fall on Day One of the final of the World Test Championships between South Africa and Australia. After the former invited the latter to bat in overcast conditions, they either induced the outside edge or found the stumps.

When it was time for the holders to bowl in the third session, they returned the favour in kind. It was just that kind of day, and surface, at Lord's. The bowlers knew there was juice to be extracted as it was nibbling both ways. The wobble seam—an increasingly important weapon in a seamer's arsenal when bowling in these parts—again played a big role.