Mitchell Starc led Australia`s recovery as the defending champions fought back with the ball against South Africa on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord`s on Wednesday. Australia were dismissed for just 212 after South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss in bowler-friendly conditions, with pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada taking 5-51.

But at stumps South Africa had slumped to 43-4 in reply, a deficit of 169 runs, as Starc finished the day with figures of 2-10 in seven overs. South Africa`s Marco Jansen, who took 3-49, admitted it had been a mixed day for the Proteas, telling the BBC: "Bowling-wise I think we did really well... They bowled well and we are going to have our work cut out for us tomorrow." 

Australia’s Steve Smith during his 112-ball 66 at Lord’s yesterday; (right) Beau Webster en route his 92-ball 72. Pic/Bipin Patel