Aiden Markram answered the call with a majestic unbeaten century as South Africa reached 213/2 at stumps on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's, setting up a thrilling run chase of 282 against defending champions Australia.
Following Australia's second innings collapse for 207 in the morning, South Africa also encountered early trouble when Mitchell Starc dismissed two top-order batsmen. But Markram was steady, scoring a classy 102* in 156 balls under perfect batting conditions. His fluency and temperament were excellent as he put South Africa in a commanding position, 69 runs from a milestone victory.
Markram had a solid ally in captain Temba Bavuma, who battled a hamstring cramp to stay on course for 65 off 121 balls. The two players put on a determined 143-run partnership for the third wicket, causing frustration among the Australian attack and keeping alive hopes of South Africa winning their maiden WTC title.
Starc, Hazlewood Frustrate Proteas Before Tea
Earlier today, Australia continued their second innings on 144/8. Kagiso Rabada had quickly removed Nathan Lyon, but the last wicket partnership between Starc and Josh Hazlewood came in handy. Starc, who had been dropped towards the end of Day 2, made the most of it to post a gritty 58—his 11th Test half-century—while Hazlewood offered stiff resistance.
Together, they contributed 59 runs—the record 10th-wicket stand in a men's WTC final—taking the lead beyond 280 for Australia. Rabada ended up with 4-59 and Lungi Ngidi had 3-38, although 22 extras, including 10 no-balls, were conceded by South Africa in an otherwise disciplined bowling performance.
Early Setbacks, Markram Holds Fort
Pursuing 282, South Africa lost the opening Ryan Rickelton early as Starc discovered some movement and had him edging to Alex Carey. Wiaan Mulder was in good form himself, playing strong backfoot shots, but was out for 34 after mistiming a drive against Starc to Marnus Labuschagne at cover.
Captain Bavuma also had a respite when Steve Smith, who was positioned at slip on Thursday, spilled a sharp chance off Starc. The drop ultimately came at a price when Smith, while going for the catch, injured his right little finger in a compound dislocation and was taken for X-rays, creating a gap in the Australian fielding unit.
Markram's Brilliance, Bavuma's Grit
Markram and Bavuma made the most of the last session, weaving elegance and composure. Bavuma, hamstrung by injury, intelligently rotated strike, allowing Markram to take charge with smooth drives, astute dabs, and a precise straight drive that cut the field.
Markram pulled out his 50 off 69 deliveries before his eighth Test century, with a swashbuckling flick over midwicket off Hazlewood, which caused roars of approval from the crowd that comprised his wife Nicole and South African legend AB de Villiers.
Bavuma also achieved his half-century—his 29th in Tests—off 83 deliveries, demonstrating incredible grit in spite of bodily anguish.
A Decisive Day of Reckoning Awaits
With 69 runs required and eight wickets left, South Africa are at arm's length of a historic victory. For Australia, the task is mountainous—they will have to produce something miraculous on Day 4 to prevent South Africa from writing history with a heroic chase.
Brief Scores:
- Australia: 212 & 207 (Mitchell Starc 58, Alex Carey 43; Kagiso Rabada 4-59, Lungi Ngidi 3-38
- South Africa: 138 & 213/2 in 56 overs (Aiden Markram 102*, Temba Bavuma 65*; Mitchell Starc 2-53)
- South Africa require 69 runs to win
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