SA vs AUS [WATCH]: Marco Jansen takes a sensational juggling catch to get rid of Steve Smith | WTC 2025 Final, Day 1

On Day 1 of the World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s, the Aussies found themselves in a tight spot late in the last session. Steve Smith, who was holding the innings together, fell for 66 in what turned out to be a turning point in the day’s play so far.

Marco Jansen’s juggling act ends Steve Smith’s resistance

Aiden Markram, bowling what appeared to be a temporary change-of-ends over, produced the moment of the session by removing the well-set Smith. The ball was tossed up invitingly outside off, luring Smith into a booming cover drive. However, he only managed a thick outside edge that flew towards short cover. Positioned there was Marco Jansen, who turned the moment into theatre. He failed to grab the ball cleanly on the first attempt, and even the second fumble gave Smith a glimpse of hope. But Jansen stayed focused and finally completed the catch on the third attempt, triggering loud celebrations in the South African camp. Smith’s gritty 66 from 112 balls, laced with 10 boundaries, came to a frustrating end as he walked off shaking his head. The dismissal highlighted the importance of pressure in big finals and showcased Jansen’s sharp reflexes under pressure. Markram, unexpectedly, ended up with a key scalp, reminding everyone that every over and every fielder counts in a final of this magnitude.

Here’s the video:

Masterstroke from 🇿🇦! 💪🏻#AidenMarkram gets introduced into the attack and he gets the big wicket of #SteveSmith as #MarcoJansen! 🤯😯

Will Australia build a big total from here, or will South Africa restrict them to under 200? 👀

LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/9lZGHcdMLn… pic.twitter.com/BMEOYMUzcX

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 11, 2025

Also READ: SA vs AUS: Steve Smith outshines Viv Richards and Allan Border with an elite record on Day 1 of WTC 2025 final

Australia grind to 212 on gritty Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s against South Africa

Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa lived up to its billing as a fierce battle, with momentum shifting throughout the day. After winning the toss and opting to bowl first under overcast conditions at Lord’s, South Africa struck early blows to reduce Australia to 16/2. Kagiso Rabada was relentless, removing both Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green cheaply, while Jansen snared Marnus Labuschagne to put Australia in early trouble.

Smith and youngster Beau Webster rebuilt with a crucial 100-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Smith was typically composed with a 66-run knock, while Webster impressed with 72 off 92 balls, playing counter-attacking cricket. However, wickets kept falling at key moments Smith fell to a juggling catch by Jansen off Markram, while Alex Carey and Pat Cummins departed soon after, handing Rabada his fourth. The Proteas bowlers, led by Rabada (5/51) and Jansen (3/49), maintained pressure throughout. Australia could reached only 212  in 56.4 overs with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood unbeaten at the crease.

Also WATCH: Kyle Verreynne grabs a gravity defying catch to dismiss Travis Head on Day 1 of the AUS vs SA WTC 2025 final