WTC Final: Wickets galore on Day 1

Bowlers ruled the roost at Lord's on the opening day of the ICC World Test Championship Final, with 14 wickets falling in a riveting start to the title clash between South Africa and Australia.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

Moments after Kagiso Rabada made Australia dance to his tunes with his career's 17th five-wicket haul and partner in crime Marco Jansen chimed in with three scalps of his own to help South Africa bundle out Australia for 212, the Australian pacers returned the favour by reducing the Proteas to 43/4 at stumps.

Skipper Temba Bavuma (3) and No.6 David Bedingham (8) remain unbeaten at the crease, with the pair still with plenty of work to do given the Proteas trail by 169 heading into the second day.

Australia's trusted fast bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood had the last laugh, picking up four valuable wickets at the end of a long day to leave the race for the coveted mace delicately poised.

It was an enthralling day of Test cricket, with the momentum changing between the two finalists on numerous occasions and London's ever-changing weather also ensuring the conditions took their turn in favouring bowlers and batters.