International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah is currently at the iconic Lord's Stadium in England, witnessing the World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia. Jay Shah rang the bell at London's iconic Lord's stadium before the mega event.
Jay Shah took his 'X', formerly known as Twitter, to express his feelings after ringing the bell at London's iconic Lord's stadium on Wednesday.
Taking to his official social media handle, X, Jay Shah wrote, "A privilege to ring the bell at the historic Lord's ground before the start of play on day one of the @icc World Test Championship final between @ProteasMenCSA and @CricketAus."
Coming back to the match, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected the bowl first and a fiery opening spell by Kagiso Rabada set the tone for South Africa, who ended the first session of day one.
Australia openers Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne struggled against the movement generated by Proteas quicks Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, and the ball beat their bats plenty of times.
In the seventh over, Rabada removed Khawaja, the team's top run-getter in this WTC cycle; he got out for a 20-ball duck. A thick edge off his bat went into the hands of David Bedingham at slips. Australia was 12/1 in 6.3 overs.
Cameron Green came to bat at number three. Australia's move to have a new-look top-order backfired as, after a four, a fine catch by Aiden Markram at slips removed him from the equation for just four runs in three balls. Australia was 16/2 in seven overs.
When Australia were making a comeback in the game, Labuschagne edged one to wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreyne, dismissed for 17 in 56 balls. Australia was 46/3 in 18 overs. Marco Jansen got his first wicket.
Aussies' hopes now rested on heroes of the 2023 WTC final against India, Smith and Travis Head. A fine slash by Head helped Australia reach the 50-run mark in 20 overs.