'Their lack of intent...': Australia great's brutal verdict on South Africa following the first day of WTC final

South Africa started the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in quite a strong fashion. After winning the toss, the Proteas elected to bowl first and this decision paid off big time as thanks to fantastic spells from pacers Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49), the reigning WTC champions got bowled out for just 212 runs in their first inning.

Australian bowlers fought back by getting early wickets

It looked like that South Africa would finish the day on a positive note, however Australia came roaring back and their bowlers ended up getting rid of the Proteas' top-order in the final session. Mitchell Starc picked up two scalps while Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins also picked up a wicket each as South Africa finished the day reeling on 43/4.

Following the end of day's play, legendary Australia batter Matthew Hayden slammed South Africa's 'lack of intent' during the match. He also stated that even though Australia weren't convincing during the day, the match is still 80% in their favour. He further criticized South Africa captain Temba Bavuma for showing little vigour while facing a top bowling attack.

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"I'm not entirely convinced it was Australia's day. South Africa won the first session, and Australia's comeback in the final session - nine wickets in all - was surprising. The conditions were odd: cloudy for half the day and sunny for the other half. Batting should have been easier, but it wasn't. I'd say maybe 80% in Australia's favour, largely because of South Africa's lack of intent. That started with Temba Bavuma," Hayden said on JioStar.

"As a captain, it's not just about bowling changes - it's also about setting the tone with the bat. He showed little vigour, and that's dangerous when facing three world-class fast bowlers in conditions that suit them. They need to come out with more intent on Day 2. Any signs of aggression -even those few boundaries late in the day - will help. But if they don't, Australia will come into Day 2 as firm favourites," he added.

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Bavuma finished the day unbeaten on three while David Bedingham returned back to the dugout after scoring eight runs as the first day concluded. The duo will be looking to form a big partnership in order to get their side out of trouble on the second day. On the other hand, the Australian bowlers will look to continue their domination over the South African batting order and their main goal now will be to take a big lead before their second inning.