Steve Smith Shatters Bradman, Sobers’ Lord’s Record in WTC 2025 Final

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Steve Smith

Key Points

  • Steve Smith set a new record for the most Test runs by a visiting batter at Lord’s, surpassing Don Bradman and Garfield Sobers with his 66-run knock in the WTC 2025 Final.
  • Australia were bowled out for 212 on Day 1, with Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) leading the scoring against South Africa’s pace attack.
  • Kagiso Rabada starred for South Africa with a five-wicket haul, while Mitchell Starc and Australia’s pacers struck back, reducing South Africa to 43/4 at stumps.
  • Both teams fielded strong XIs, with South Africa playing their first-ever WTC final and Australia aiming to defend their title.

New Delhi: The 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s has witnessed a historic milestone, as Australia’s Steve Smith etched his name in the record books. With a composed 66-run innings against South Africa, Smith became the highest run-scorer by a visiting batter in Test matches at Lord’s, overtaking legendary figures Sir Garfield Sobers (571 runs) and Sir Don Bradman (551 runs).

Smith’s latest knock took his Lord’s tally to 591 runs in 10 innings across six Tests, at an impressive average of 59.10, including three fifties and two centuries. This achievement cements his status as one of the greatest batters in modern cricket and a true master in English conditions.

Match Highlights: Day 1 Drama at Lord’s

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first under overcast skies a decision quickly vindicated by his seamers. Australia’s top order struggled, slumping to 67/4 before Smith and Beau Webster (72) staged a crucial recovery with a 50-run partnership.

Despite their efforts, Australia were bowled out for 212, with Kagiso Rabada claiming a sensational 5/51 and Marco Jansen taking three wickets. Smith’s innings was pivotal, featuring 10 boundaries and providing much-needed stability amid the collapse.

In response, Australia’s pace trio Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood struck back in the final session, reducing South Africa to 43/4 at stumps and swinging the momentum back in Australia’s favor.

Record-Breaking Run-Scorers at Lord’s (Tests, Visiting Batters)

RankPlayerRunsMatches (Innings)
1Steve Smith (AUS)5916 (10)
2Warren Bardsley (AUS)5755 (7)
3Garfield Sobers (WI)5715 (9)
4Don Bradman (AUS)5514 (7)
5Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI)5125 (9)
6Dilip Vengsarkar (IND)5085 (8)

Playing XIs for the WTC 2025 Final

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

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