Starc strikes as Australia fight back against South Africa in WTC final

Mitchell Starc led Australia’s recovery as the defending champions fought back with the ball against South Africa on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday.

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Australia were dismissed for just 212 after South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss in overcast, bowler-friendly, conditions, with spearhead quick Kagiso Rabada taking 5-51.

But at stumps South Africa had slumped to 43-4 in reply, a deficit of 169 runs.

Given the strength of both teams’ pace attacks, the key question was always likely to be which side could put enough runs on the scoreboard. Australia’s total certainly looked a lot healthier when left-arm quick Starc had Aiden Markram playing on for a duck before dismissing Ryan Rickelton (16) to leave South Africa floundering at 19-2.

Novice number three Wiaan Mulder was reprieved on one when wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped a sitter off Starc.

But he added just five more runs before he was bowled by Australia captain Pat Cummins, having taken 44 balls to make six.