‘I’m not entirely…’ Matthew Hayden Critiques Temab Bavuma’s Captaincy And SA’s Batting Approach News24

By Correspondent On Jun 12, 2025

South Africa has been criticised by former Australian opener Matthew Hayden due to their lack of intent on the opening day of the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Temab Bavuma’s team won the toss and decided to bowl first against the current champion. Proteas pacers did not waste the chance and took advantage of the situation to bowl Australia out 212 in their first innings. Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada came back with the figures of 5-51 in 15.4 overs and Marco Jansen claimed three wickets to dent the batting line-up of Australia.

Matthew Hayden’s Statement

“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,” said JioStar expert Hayden.

“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.

Highlights Of Day 1 Of The WTC Final

SA chose to bowl first, Australia slumped to 67/4 during the first session. A 79-run stand between Steve Smith (66 off 112 balls, 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 off 92 balls, 11 fours) and a 46-run association between Webster and Alex Carey (23 off 31 balls, four boundaries) brought Australia to the brink of 200-run mark. Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) however continued to pile the pressure and reduced the Aussies to 212. SA even had a nightmare start losing their four wickets by 43 runs within the end of the day and none of their batters could score even 20 runs. Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets, captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood claimed one wicket each. SA is behind by 169 runs.