SA’s decision to bowl first against Aussies vindicated with 4 wickets

The decision by South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma to bowl first on day one of the final of the ICC World Test Championship against Australia at Lord’s in London, has been vindicated.

Playing under grey skies, his bowlers restricted the defending champions to 67/4 when lunch was called.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada removed Usman Khawaja for a duck and Cameron Green for four in the seventh over of Australia’s innings, before Marco Jansen dismissed Marcus Labuschagne and Travis Head for 17 and 11 respectively.

All four batsmen were caught behind, either by the wicketkeeper or by the fielders in the slip cordon.

The second session got under way at 2:10pm with the Proteas eyeing the prized scalp of former captain Steve Smith.

Australia are currently 86/4.