World Test Championship final: Smith & Labuschagne rebuild for Australia

BBC News

a day ago

Update:
Date: 11:47 BST
Title: Post
Content: Jonathan AgnewBBC Chief Cricket Commentator on Test Match Special
There is a gentle buzz reverberating around Lord's today.
Update:
Date: 15 overs
Title: Aus 37-2
Content: Ooooh! A heart in mouth moment for Marnus Labuschagne as his edge drops just short of Aiden Markram in the slips to start the 15th.
It's another maiden for Wiaan Mulder.
Update:
Date: 11:44 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Loving the match. But with the weather being what it is this week. What happens if it is a draw?
Tom in Billingshurst
Hello Tom. If the match is drawn, tied, or abandoned, the two sides will share the mace. I don't know how they'll share it. One team getting the stick and the other the ball would be the sensible option but I'd rather watch someone slice it lengthways.
Update:
Date: 11:42 BST
Title: Post
Content: Jonathan AgnewBBC Chief Cricket Commentator on Test Match Special
That was at a catchable height and it went straight between the two players.
Update:
Date: 14 overs
Title: Aus 37-2
Content: A lively start to the second half of this session.
Steve Smith flicks Lungi Ngidi's opener fine for four and he sneaks another off the penultimate delivery, this one more aerially between the keeper and leg slip. A touch of fortune there.
Update:
Date: 11:37 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
With Rabada just one Test wicket behind the great Allan Donald and likely to go past him in this match, where does he stand in the pantheon of South African fast bowlers? Maybe only behind Dale Steyn?
Bob in Hammersmith
Update:
Date: 11:35 BST
Title: Post
Content: While refreshments are served, here's a reminder of the two Australia wickets to fall in the first hour.
Kagiso Rabada has 2-9 from his first six-over spell.
This video can not be played
Rabada takes two quick wickets to put Australia under early pressure
Update:
Date: 11:34 BST
Title: Post
Content: Vic MarksFormer England spinner on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Marnus Labuschagne is here with his career struggling a little bit and Lord's could be another turning point for him.
Update:
Date: 13 overs
Title: Aus 29-2
Content: Smith 5, Labuschagne 17
Australia's selectors would be pretty chuffed with that outcome, @mardysim.
Steve Smith casually perches on his bat as Marnus Labuschagne plays out a maiden to Wiaan Mulder, who has replaced Kagiso Rabada.
Mulder beats the outside edge to finish the over. And that's drinks.
Update:
Date: 11:31 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
@mardysim on X: Couple of quick wickets for the Saffies. Excellent work.
326-2 at the close?
Update:
Date: 11:30 BST
Title: Post
Content: Jim MaxwellBBC Test Match Special commentator at Lord's
It's quiet here at Lord's as Australia dig themselves in, but South Africa's bowling has been compelling as they make the batters play a shot with each ball.
Update:
Date: 12 overs
Title: Aus 29-2
Content: How do you think Labuschagne's audition to be Australia's next opener is going, George?
Apart from that one edge which fell just short of Ryan Rickelton, he's been pretty solid I think. Strong leaves and running smartly.
He runs three to finish the 12th over.
Update:
Date: 11:26 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
David Warner retired over a year ago and Australia are yet to find a permanent opener to partner Khawaja. Sometimes Smith opens, sometimes Head opens, and now Marnus is opening. That vacant spot is a permanent musical chair. That just tells about Warner's huge impact.
George, India
Update:
Date: 11 overs
Title: Aus 26-2
Content: A fourth maiden for Kagiso Rabada, with Steve Smith defending all the way. There's a couple of darts to suggest he's interested in the single but every time, he retreats.
Rabada has 2-9 from his six overs. Impressive.
Update:
Date: 11:21 BST
Title: How's stat?!
Content: Andy ZaltzmanTest Match Special statistician
There were 19 balls before Kagiso Rabada conceded a run and only once has he done better in his illustrious career.
He has a strike rate of a wicket every 39 balls in Test cricket. This is the best record from a bowler who has bowled 500+ in the history of Test cricket of which there are 292 bowlers.
Update:
Date: 11:21 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Dave Bedingham playing club cricket in Nottinghamshire six years ago taking the first catch at Lord's in World Test Final. Great persistence.
Bryn, Angel
Update:
Date: 10 overs
Title: Aus 26-2
Content: Marnus Labuschagne tastes early success against Lungi Ngidi, easing a solid drive through the covers for four. So far, so good for the opener who moves onto 14.
Update:
Date: 11:17 BST
Title: Post
Content: A change in the bowling attack for South Africa, with Lungi Ngidi replacing Marco Jansen.
Update:
Date: 11:17 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Glad to see Broad's coaching in the South African setup in the lead up to this game is working its magic. Aussies all over the shop.
Richard, London
Update:
Date: 9 overs
Title: Aus 22-2
Content: Kagiso Rabada has quite the swagger as he walks back to the top of his run-up. He looks the least-hurried man in the world.
However, it's Steve Smith who gets the last laugh, punching the ball square to finish the over with a four. It just beats Tristan Stubbs to the rope.