Marco Jansen takes a brilliant juggling catch at slip to send Steve Smith back for 66 in SA vs AUS 2025 WTC Final [Watch]

Australia ace batter Steve Smith's valiant fifty in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa came to an end courtesy of a stunning catch by Marco Jansen on Wednesday, June 11. He departed after scoring 66 runs off 112 deliveries in the first innings on Day 1 at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

Smith was holding the innings together after coming into bat at 16-2, following Cameron Green's wicket. The right-handed batter made the most of his experience at Lord's to record yet another fifty at the iconic venue. Australia were in trouble as they lost four wickets in the first session, including that of Travis Head.

Steve Smith took charge after Lunch, continuing to make the Proteas bowlers work hard. He put up a crucial partnership with Beau Webster for the fifth wicket to take the score close to 150.

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma was desperate for a breakthrough and out of the obvious options. He brought on part-time spinner Aiden Markram in the 42nd over.

Smith had shown intent against spin in his innings, attempting to take on Keshav Maharaj, when he was brought on earlier. Similarly, after being restricted for the majority of the over, the right-handed batter tried to play an expansive drive against a tossed-up delivery outside the off stump. However, he could only get a thick edge, which flew towards Marco Jansen at slip.

The all-rounder reacted quickly to intercept the ball, but could not quite wrap his hands around it. He had to juggle a couple of times to bring the ball under control, and eventually completed the catch in his third attempt. Have a look at the crucial moment of the game right here:

South Africa have been near faultless in the field on Day 1. Aiden Markram had taken a stunning low catch in the slip cordon to dismiss Cameron Green in the first session.

Alex Carey and Beau Webster ticking along well after Smith's wicket to steer Australia to safety for Tea on Day 1

Australia have been scoring at a decent rate in the second session and have lost only one wicket. Beau Webster, despite being troubled by Kagiso Rabada, and receiving a major reprieve, has looked solid to record a half-century at a crucial time.

Alex Carey, at the other end, has also stepped out with the intent to put some pressure back on South Africa after Smith's departure. At the time of writing, Australia are placed at 183-5 after 48 overs of play.