South Africa were reeling on 43-4 at stumps on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Wednesday after dismissing defending champions Australia for 212.Seamer Kagiso Rabada took 5-51 as South Africa’s bowling unit made a strong start to the match but their inexperienced batting line-up came under fire as soon as they began their reply.

South Africa’s path to Lord’s has been criticised by some, but, as Harry Latham-Coyle writes, the imperfect World Test Championship final against Australia brings a chance to rejuvenate a format under