[WATCH] WTC Final 2025: Temba Bavuma’s elegant cover drives off Mitchell Starc get Day 2 underway

In the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 versus Australia at the storied Lord’s in London, professional hitter Temba Bavuma showed early purpose. With the Proteas reeling at 43/4 at Stumps, Australia finished Day 1 with the lead, but the first-time finalists were focused as the next day began.

Mitchell Starc, a left-arm bowler, bowled in the 25th over of the Proteas’ innings, and Temba Bavuma hit two boundaries. He hit a fuller delivery that was placed wide outside off through the covers for a four on the opening ball. Temba Bavuma took advantage of the width once more four balls into the same over, lofting the ball over backward point and beating the fielder close to the boundary ropes.

Visit this link to view the footage of Temba Bavuma lofted cover drives.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma shows positive intent early on Day 2 💪

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Before losing to his Australian rival Pat Cummins, the South African captain appeared to be in good form. Marnus Labuschagne beautifully caught him for a valiant 36. Brief resistance was provided by Bavuma and David Bedingham’s 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

The Proteas bowling assault was led earlier in the game by South African bowler Kagiso Rabada, who finished with statistics of 5/47 in 15.4 overs. Beau Webster (72) and Steve Smith (66) both had respectable performances as Australia reached 212 in their opening innings.

In the last session of the day, South Africa started their reply, but Starc quickly set the tone by dismissing Aiden Markram in the opening over. Cummins and Josh Hazlewood both contributed one wicket to put the South African batting in peril early on, and he subsequently removed Ryan Rickelton as well.