Aiden Markram’s majestic unbeaten century has steered South Africa to within touching distance of a landmark victory over Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Chasing a target of 282 on a pitch that had previously wreaked havoc on batters over two frenetic days, South Africa closed day three in a commanding position at 213 for 2 – just 69 runs away from sealing a famous win.
Earlier in the day, Australia’s last-wicket pair Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood briefly threatened to swing momentum back the visitors’ way. The duo added a stubborn 59-run stand, pushing Australia’s second innings total to 207 before Hazlewood fell on the stroke of lunch. Starc remained unbeaten on 56, the highest score of the innings, offering defiance in testing conditions.
Markram, returning to red-ball cricket for the first time since January, produced a masterclass in classical Test batting. The 30-year-old played with elegance and authority, compiling a flawless century that could define not only the match but South African cricket history.
He was ably supported by captain Temba Bavuma, who battled through visible discomfort from a hamstring injury to remain unbeaten on 65. The pair have so far put on an unbroken 143-run partnership, blunting Australia’s vaunted pace attack and turning the tide decisively in South Africa’s favour.
However, Australia are not out of it just yet. With the second new ball due early on day four, Pat Cummins and his bowling unit will need to summon something extraordinary to deny South Africa a momentous win. Day four promises high drama as history beckons.
