Australia's Struggle Against South Africa: Can Head and Smith Revive Their Partnership?

In the ongoing Test match, Australia faces a daunting challenge against South Africa's formidable pace attack. With early wickets falling, Travis Head and Steve Smith must step up to rebuild their innings. Their previous partnership in the 2023 World Test Championship finals showcased their potential, and fans are eager to see if they can replicate that success. As the match unfolds, the pressure mounts on these key players to deliver and secure a favorable outcome for Australia.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 11, 2025, 17:39 IST

Australia Faces Tough Challenge from South African Bowlers

The current World Test Champions are encountering significant challenges against the South African pace attack. Following the early dismissal of three wickets by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, Australia relied on their key players at the crease. After a disappointing first innings where Travis Head was dismissed by Marco Jansen, he must step up in the second innings to prove his worth. Meanwhile, Steve Smith remains at the crease, but the top order has been severely compromised by the Proteas bowlers.

Head and Smith's Crucial Role

Travis Head and Steve Smith carry the weight of responsibility to forge a strong partnership in the second innings. They need to replicate their remarkable performance from the 2023 World Test Championship finals against India, where they turned the game around after Australia lost three wickets for just 76 runs. Their partnership of 285 runs, featuring Head's explosive 163 and Smith's stylish 121, was pivotal in leading Australia to a total of 469 in the first innings.

World Test Championship Final Recap

The World Test Championship Final 2023 took place from June 7 to 11 at The Oval in London, where Australia triumphed over India by 209 runs, securing the Test championship title. Travis Head's outstanding innings of 163 earned him the Player of the Match award, while Steve Smith contributed with 121 runs. Despite India's efforts, their batting faltered on the final day, with Ajinkya Rahane being the top scorer. Australia's bowling prowess was evident as they restricted India to just 296 in the first innings and 234 in the second.

Rabada's Impressive Bowling Display

Kagiso Rabada's exceptional bowling dismantled the Australian top order, claiming the wickets of Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green. Khawaja was dismissed without scoring after facing 19 balls, while Green managed only 4 runs. This put the reigning champions in a precarious position. With Khawaja's wicket, Rabada reached a milestone of 50 Test wickets against Australia, having played 11 Test matches against them and taken a total of 51 wickets.

Team Line-ups

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

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