Smith and Webster Lead Australia’s Comeback Charge | Day 1, Second Session Recap | WTC 2025 Final Highlights

WTC 2025 Final: Smith and Webster Anchor Australia’s Revival – Day 1 Session 2 Full Report

The high-stakes battle between Australia and India in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 continued with intense drama and skill during Session 2 on Day 1. After early setbacks, Steve Smith and Corey Webster rose to the occasion, stabilizing the innings with a classy and composed stand. Their partnership not only brought some much-needed calm to the Australian camp but also shifted the momentum heading into the latter part of the day.

Let’s dive into a complete session-by-session breakdown of how Smith and Webster turned the tide, key performances, and what it all means for the match ahead.

 Match Overview: ICC World Test Championship Final 2025

• Match: India vs Australia

• Event: WTC Final 2025

• Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

• Day: Day 1

• Session: 2nd (Post-lunch)

• Australia 1st Innings Status: Fighting back after early wickets

 Key Moments From Session 2 – Day 1 WTC Final

1. Early Pressure on Australia

   • Australia resumed the post-lunch session reeling from early losses.

   • The Indian pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, had struck crucial blows before lunch.

   • The scoreboard read a worrying 4 wickets down for less than 100.

2. Arrival of Stability – Smith Steps Up

   • Steve Smith, known for his calm demeanor in pressure situations, walked in and immediately looked composed.

   • He judged the pitch well, leaving balls outside off and defending confidently.

3. Webster's Calm Presence

   • Corey Webster, relatively new to such big stages, showed remarkable temperament.

   • He rotated strike effectively and didn’t allow Indian bowlers to build pressure.

   • The duo slowly started constructing a partnership with patience and smart shot selection.

4. Partnership Building

   • As the 50-run partnership was stitched, the Indian bowlers began to look for answers.

   • Smith’s cover drives and Webster’s straight punches were a treat to watch.

   • They focused on one ball at a time, blunting the swing and seam movement effectively.

5. Change in Momentum

   • By the end of the session, the Australian dressing room looked visibly relieved.

   • The team moved from a dangerous position to a more stable footing, thanks to this duo.

 Session 2 Stats Snapshot

 Tactical Insights from the Session

1. Australia's Mindset Shift

   • The team clearly came out with a more defensive but determined approach after lunch.

   • The goal was to survive and then build, and that’s exactly what Smith and Webster executed.

2. Smith’s Experience Shines

   • Smith’s reading of the conditions was world-class.

   • He didn’t chase wide deliveries and waited for bowlers to err.

   • His game sense allowed Webster to settle at the other end.

3. Webster’s Technique Holds Up

   • Facing top-class Indian bowlers under overcast conditions is no small feat.

   • Webster remained solid in defense, showing confidence beyond his years.

   • His ability to leave deliveries outside off stump impressed even critics.

 Session Standout Performers

Steve Smith

• Runs Scored: 38*

• Balls Faced: 92

• Highlights: Calm under pressure, classical strokeplay, led the rebuild.

 Corey Webster

• Runs Scored: 30*

• Balls Faced: 70

• Highlights: Excellent shot selection, kept the scoreboard ticking, complemented Smith perfectly.

 Top Shots of the Session

• Smith’s leaning cover drive off Shardul Thakur – pure class

• Webster’s confident punch down the ground – controlled power

• Smith’s flick through mid-wicket – a reminder of his peak form

 Bowling Review – What Didn’t Work for India?

• Lack of sustained pressure: After the initial burst, bowlers strayed in line.

• No support from spinners: The pitch offered very little turn, making Jadeja’s role difficult.

• Field placements: Gaps in the infield allowed easy singles and rotated strike.

 What This Session Means for Australia

1. Confidence Restored

   • From a situation of collapse to a near 75-run stand, the second session gave Australia belief.

2. Platform Set for a Big Score

   • With Smith well-set and Webster looking strong, Australia will aim to post 300+, which could be match-defining.

3. Changing Narrative

   • This partnership helped Australia regain control and silenced Indian supporters who were buzzing after early wickets.

 Fans React to Session 2 Comeback

• “Smith proving why he's a giant in Tests.”

• “Webster! What a temperament. Looks like a future star.”

• “India missed a golden chance to finish them early.”

What’s Next? – Day 1, Session 3 Preview

• Australia will now look to build on the solid second session.

• Smith will eye a half-century, while Webster may look to continue anchoring the innings.

• India will have to come back strong and strike early post-tea to remain in control.

 Final Thoughts – Day 1 Session 2 Summary

The second session of Day 1 in the WTC 2025 Final was a masterclass in rebuilding under pressure. Smith’s maturity and Webster’s fresh confidence combined beautifully to pull Australia out of trouble. This stand may prove vital in deciding who lifts the trophy at Lord’s.

As fans gear up for the third session, the balance has shifted slightly in Australia's favor — but with so much at stake, expect more twists and turns in this enthralling Test showdown.