HIGHLIGHTS South Africa vs Australia, ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, Final Test- Result, Scorecard

The players are out in the middle. Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton are the openers for South Africa. Mitchell Starc will open the proceedings for Australia. Markram to face. Here we go...

... SECOND INNINGS ...

Right. 212. We feel that Australia are around 30-40 runs short. How will the bowlers respond? Time for the second innings.

Kagiso Rabada is up for a chat. On being asked as to how does it feel, Rabada says that the team came here about a week ago and one could only feel the atmosphere and it was really special. Adds that it feels great to see the support for South Africa and informs that the players were ready a week ago. Hopes that his batters can put some runs and put Australia under pressure in the second innings. On his 5-fer, Kagiso says that it means a lot for him to play for South Africa. Stresses that he has given it his all every time and wants to thank everyone for their support. Humbly says that he just reaped the rewards today. On the pitch, KG says that the ball is moving around but as the ball got softer, Australia got some runs. But cheekily adds that the way Australia were batting, any ball had their name on it. On chasing Shaun Pollock to become South Africa's leading wicket taker in Tests, Rabada says that is all secondary and his primary job is to do well for the team.

The new-ball bowlers were the talk of the town as Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen picked up 8 wickets between them. Rabada went to etch his name on the honours board, picking up a 5-fer. Most of the wickets were due to good bowling but Australia will look back at some soft dismissals - Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith, Head and Carey. Smith looked at home at the home of cricket while Webster impressed once again, in his brief Test career. Just two half centuries in testing conditions but one suspects that the Aussies are nearly 40-50 runs short. 250 might have been a competitive total.

It is often said at Lord's that you look up at the skies and not at the pitch. Temba Bavuma had no hesitation in inserting the Aussies under overcast conditions and the decision paid off. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were swinging the ball nicely and eventually, after a wicketless 30 minutes, they struck four times in the next 90. That might have propelled them to a feeling of bowling the Aussies out under 150 but a weak middle session saw them pick only one wicket. But post Tea, they just skittled their opponents, picking up the last 5 wickets for just 20 runs.

Winning the toss and picking up 10 wickets in a shade over 56 overs. That's roughly a wicket every 6 overs. In fact, less than 6 overs. This is what a strong bowling attack can do. Australia might put it down to the conditions but in a situation where their techniques were put to the test, only two blokes stood out.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, OUT! BOWLED! Second Michelle for Rabada at Lord's in Tests, through the wicket of Mitchell! 'That's why you should have taken the single mate', Hazlewood might be chirping. Jokes apart, this is another superb delivery. On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc looks to drive it down the ground but like Lyon, leaves a big gap between bat and pad. The ball swings back late, goes between bat and pad and hits the timber. AUSTRALIA BOWLED OUT FOR 212!

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Huh? Well, this goes for the press. Starc shielding Hoff? A length ball, outside off, Mitchell Starc punches it down the ground, through mid off, but does not take the single! The team gets the run though as Rabada has overstepped. NO BALL.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Just back of a length, angled into the batter's body, Starc defends it down the pitch.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, No run taken! Dug in short and outside off, Mitchell Starc hangs back and dabs it away through the gap at backward point but denies the single in an attempt to shield Josh Hazlewood from an on-song KG.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Brave leave! Length ball, pitching outside off and angling in. Starc stays leg side of the ball and makes the leave as the ball misses the off stump by a fair few inches.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, My word. How has that missed the stumps? Jansen switches to over the wicket for the left hander and lands it around off. Gets it to come in and Josh Hazlewood looks to defend, exposing all the three sticks. But as he plays inside the line, he misses the ball and somehow, it goes over the top of off stump! A wicket maiden for Marco Jansen as his bowling figures read 14-5-49-3!

Josh Hazlewood is the last batter in, replacing Nathan Lyon.

Marco Jansen to Nathan Lyon, OUT! BOWLED! Number 9 goes and Jansen has his third! Well, whatever the bowling coach or captain has said during the Tea break, has worked wonders as South Africa have picked up 4/19 in the last 29 balls! On a length, from around the wicket, outside off, Nathan Lyon goes for the big booming drive down the ground, but leaves a big gap between bat and pad. The ball comes in, accepts the invitation to go through and knocks the bails off. Lyon departs for 0 and from 192/5, Australia have slipped to 211/9!

Marco Jansen to Nathan Lyon, A length ball wide outside off, coming in, Nathan Lyon shoulders arms.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Good hustle from the keeper. Length ball, darted down leg, Starc fails to get it away. The ball goes off the pads and towards short fine leg but Kyle Verreynne moves to his right, dives in and keeps it down to a single leg bye.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length and outside off, Starc stands tall and punches it on the up, firmly too but the cover fielder cuts it off to his left.

Bavuma going for the kill. He knows the momentum could shift towards Australia if they get to 250. Wants to nip it in the bud.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Short of a length and wide outside off, Mitchell Starc has a good look at it but decides to leave it alone.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Wide outside off, left alone this time.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, What a peach. On a length, around off, Nathan Lyon looks to defend but the ball angles in and then straightens off the deck, squaring Lyon up and beating the outside edge!

Nathan Lyon walks in at number 10, replacing Beau Webster.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, OUT! CAUGHT! Wicket number 4 for Kagiso Rabada and the innings is disintegrating. After a couple of loose deliveries, Rabada gets it right this time. On a length, outside off, albeit a bit too wide. Beau Webster tries to punch it behind point, more of a white-ball shot, when there is no slip in place. But in red-ball cricket, with the ball moving around and the feet stuck in mud, this is not an advaisable shot. But given that he has been getting runs for that shot in this innings, Webster goes through with his shot and only manages an outside edge. Straight into the hands of David Bedingham at first slip. Yet another soft dismissal and Webster's fine knock ends on 72 (92). From 192/5, Australia have slipped to 210/8!

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, FOUR! A bit too straight this time. Webster just clips it off his pads, well wide of the keeper to his left, to the fine leg fence.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, Webster pushes it towards mid on.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, FOUR! STUPENDOUS! A rare loosener from Rabada. A short ball, around waist height, Beau Webster is in total control as he gets on top of the bounce and pulls it all along the ground, splitting deep mid-wicket and deep backward square leg!

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Down the leg side, Starc tries to make use of the freebie with a whip but does not connect.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Tossed up, outside off, BW lunges and pushes it past point for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside of, Beau pushes towards cover again.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, Webster gets a big stride to defend.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, On middle, flighted outside off, tempting Starc to go for that slog sweep, but for now, Starc works it through mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark. For how long will he resist though?

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, Beau Webster leans and punches this towards long off, curiously giving the strike to Starc. 200 UP FOR AUSTRALIA.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Starc pushes but misses.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, pushed to the off side.

This could now end pretty quickly. Mitchell Starc walks in next at number 9, replacing his skipper, Pat Cummins.

Kagiso Rabada to Pat Cummins, OUT! BOWLED! Seamer to seamer and the Protea fire wins! Cummins is a decent batter with good defense, but this was just too good for him. On a length, around off, Pat Cummins looks to defend but the ball straightens and goes past the outside edge, to hit the off pole. Might have taken a piece of wood as well. South Africa go bang bang post Tea as Australia slip from 192/5 to 199/7! Cummins departs for 1 (6) and Rabada now has the most wickets by a Saffa pacer at Lord's - 16!

Kagiso Rabada to Pat Cummins, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, guided behind point for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, FOUR! On a length, but a bit of width outside off. Beau Webster waits for the ball to arrive and deftly guides it behind point for a boundary. Moves to 61 (83) with his 9th boundary.

Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Tossed up again, Patrick lunges to defend.

Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Outside off, a bit of flight, pushed towards point.

Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Fuller, around off, Cummins lunges and pushes it towards silly point.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, punched down to long on for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Outside off, fuller in length, Pat Cummins lunges to defend and the ball flies off the face of the bat, just wide of silly point to his left! Gets the single and is off the mark.

Captain Pat Cummins walks in next at number 8, in another crisis situation with the bat, replacing Alex Carey.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, OUT! BOWLED! Sweep and reverse sweep are the strengths of Alex Carey but the same have proven to be his downfall in this knock! Maharaj has struck on the very first ball of his spell post Tea. Loose shot, might be called unnnecessary, but that is how the modern cricketer plays. Attack, attack and just keep attacking. Carey made up his mind to play the reverse sweep well in advance and indicated a bit too early. That was enough for the wily Maharaj to slow this a bit and deliver a bit late. Carey was already through his shot and played under the ball, with the cherry going on top of the ball to hit the stumps. Maharaj lets out a roar as he gets his 199TH SCALP in Test cricket! The 46-run stand is broken and AUSTRALIA ARE 192/6, back in trouble. Carey played a decent hand of 23 (31) but has to be called as a soft dismissal.

The same pair of Jansen and Rabada to reunite? No. Keshav Maharaj to continue.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Full, just outside off, Beau gets a big stride to meet the ball and push it towards cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, pushed towards cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Full, just around off, Webster is early into the shot, aiming to flick but gets a leading edge on the bounce to the bowler. His head is not quite still while batting.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, swinging away, left alone.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Similar ball, only this one is a mirror image. The angle is switched to around the wicket, right hander is replaced by a left hander and now, the off stump becomes the left stump. But in cricket technicality, the ball is around middle and worked through square leg, for a run.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, On a length, around middle, angling further down, Beau Webster tickles it through backward square leg for a single.

One of those days where we are going to go past the scheduled close ot play. Meaning, with 40 overs left in the day we are certain to use the extra half hour but South Africa will not be complaining. Only 6 overs of spin have been used and that is the main reason for the slow overrate and should Australia be bowled out tonight itself, the change in innings will mean that we will end up losing potentially more than 15 overs. Ouch. It will be Kagiso Rabada to start things off post Tea, to Webster.

Welcome back. The sun is shining in its fullest glory at the home of cricket. Two sessions, one apiece arguably to either side, sees us await who will win the next boxing round. Both teams are eager to set the tone as both, the batters and the SA players are waiting outside the boundary! But where are the umpires? Cannot take the field untill they come out! Finally, here come the two umpires and play is set to resume.

... DAY 1, FINAL SESSION ...

Right then, just 50 overs have been bowled on Day 1, but we've seen so much happen that it feels like more. South Africa need to pick up the pace, not just in terms of their intensity, but in terms of the over-rate as well. Australia have got to a position of some promise but an early wicket post Tea and they could find themselves bundled out for a low score still. Plenty of action to come, so do join us at 2.30 pm GMT for the final session on Day 1 of the WTC Final.

Slowly but surely, Beau Webster started to look a lot more settled at the crease and with only Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen managing to hold their lines and lengths, Webster managed to take advantage of it and turned his innings around. Alex Carey is a free-flowing batter and he wasted no time in getting into the thick of things. Wiaan Mulder, who bowled a beautiful first spell, started to bowl way too many no balls once he switched ends and simply couldn't find the same rhythm.

Just one wicket lost and 123 runs added - exactly the session Australia were looking for but it wasn't all easy going. Kagiso Rabada bowled another fine spell post Lunch and was unlucky not to get another wicket. However, the bowling from the other end wasn't disciplined enough and the likes of Steve Smith and Beau Webster were able to pick up a few boundaries. Smith looked in pristine touch but Aiden Markram got rid of him at a crucial juncture, handing South Africa a chance to press the issue once more.

A much more balanced session, not in terms of runs or wickets, but just because of the fact that South Africa got the wicket of Steve Smith. However, Australia have managed to turn a precarious situation around. South Africa will be disappointed thinking about the contrast between the two sessions, but before the game began, they would have probably taken this score at the Tea break.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, A dot to end and that will be TEA ON DAY 1! Very full and straight, Alex Carey lunges across and sweeps it straight to the fielder at backward square leg.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, On a dragged length outside off, turning it in, Carey defends it from the crease.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Slows it up, flighting it full on off, Carey gets inside the line and sweeps it to short fine leg.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, A touch short, outside off, Beau Webster rocks back and punches it through point, for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Fuller, around off, pushed towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, punched towards point.

South Africa have already bowled 9 no balls in this game. With that they have now bowled 124 no balls in this WTC cycle. Only England with 140 no balls are ahead of them. However, England have played 23 matches in this WTC Cycle compared to South Africa who have played just 13. It has not cost them as such, as in, there hasn't been a wicket off a no ball or something but the bowling coach will be having a stern word with them. Time for one more over before Tea? Yes. Keshav Maharaj is back on. 3-0-13-0 so far.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Good length, angled across off and middle, Carey flicks it away through mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs in the deep.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Pitched-up delivery on off, Alex Carey brings out the off drive and creams it straight to mid off.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, No ball! Switches to over the wicket now and hammers it on a shorter length over leg, Carey misses the tuck and gets hit around the rib cage. However, Mulder has overstepped and a NO BALL is called.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Around the wicket to the left-hander, bowled on a length and on off, Carey lunges to make the block.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, That's well played. On a length, outside off, but again, a bit too much width. Beau gets inside the line and steers it behind point. By the time sweeper sweeps it to his left, the batters have enough time to take three runs. The stand moves to 40 (42).

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Fractionally short in length, outside off, Webster looks to slap a punch but is done in by the slowness of the surface. Gets a bottom edge towards cover.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Full, just outside off, Beau Webster is solid in defense.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Nagging length, a bit full and this one is angled back into the left-hander, Carey looks to cover drive but can't get it away.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, FOUR! Another boundary for Carey! Good length outside off, there is some swing on offer but this is a bit too wide. Carey looks to cut it wide of gully but gets it a lot more fine and past the second slip for a boundary.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Full and angled in from around off, Carey leaves it on line as the ball genuinely swings away and that is a good take from Kyle Verreynne low to his left.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Full, around off, pushed towards mid on.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, FOUR! Nicely done. On a length, outside off, Alex Carey waits for the ball to arrive and steers it between gully and third slip, to the deep third fence.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, Outside off, Beau Webster looks to push it down the ground but gets a thick inside edge to square leg. A single taken.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Gets that away, does Beau Webster and what a fighting 50 this has been from him. Dragged length, pushed well outside off, Webster reaches for it and smacks the ball to sweeper cover for a single. Webster brings up his 2nd FIFTY in Test cricket, and this could be a very vital one as well.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Good length in the channel, Webster strides forward and hits the drive straight to the cover fielder.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Back of a length and seaming away from outside off, Webster presses back and plays it with the seam movement down to the right of gully. Marco Jansen makes a sharp stop and Webster stays on 49.

Webster on 49...

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, On a length, around middle and leg, nudged through mid-wicket to finally bring Webster on strike, after 13 balls.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Full, tailing down the leg side, Alex Carey misses his flick and is hit on the pads. No LBW appeal as that seemed to be heading down the leg side.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Full, just outside off, pushed towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, A length ball on the pads now, Alex Carey flicks it down to fine leg for a single.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Hard length, around the top of off, punched away from the crease towards point.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Good comeback from Jansen! Goes full and bowls it on off and middle, this one nips away as well. Carey looks to flick but gets an outside edge that falls well short of the gully fielder.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, FOUR! Better shot. Fractionally short, around off, Alex Carey swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Outside off, another play and a miss from Carey.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Full and wide outside off, Alex Carey throws his bat at it, but flat footed. Misses.

Marco Jansen returns. 11-4-35-2 so far.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, On a length, outside off, pushed behind point for a run.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, On a length, outside off, cutting back in, Carey looks to dab it past gully but gets cramped for room and gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, FOUR! SLAUGHTERED! Plenty of room outside off, on a length, Alex Carey gets his blade down in a flash and crashes it through the covers.

Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, A bit too straight again, defended to the leg side.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, A bit too straight, Webster tucks it through square leg for a single. Moves to 49 (66).

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, On a length, outside off, Beau Webster looks to punch it through the off side but the ball comes slowly off the surface. Gets a thick inside edge that goes past the leg stump.

Aiden Markram to Beau Webster, Excellent stop by Kagiso Rabada. Full, outside off, Beau Webster gets down and paddles this through fine leg. The ball races towards the backward square leg fence but Rabada gives it a good chase from deep square leg and gets to the ball with a solid dive, pushing it back in. Saves a run for his side as the batters take three.​​​

Aiden Markram to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, solidly defended.

Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Outside off, short of full, pushed between cover and point for a single.

Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Fuller, outside off, driven straight to cover.

Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Outside off, cut straight to point.

Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Huge shout for LBW! Not given. Will Bavuma review? Yes, he does! Just in the nick of time. This looked close as well. It was a full ball around off and Alex Carey got down to play the sweep. But missed and was hit on the pads. Was the impact outside off? Don't bother. UltraEdge detects a spike when the ball is close to the bat and glove! 2 reviews lost then, for South Africa.

Right then. Will Markram get another? With Carey in the middle? Indeed!

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Overpitched, outside off, BW comes on the front foot and looks to thump it away, but cannot beat mid off. 11 from the over.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, steered straight to gully.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, pushed to the off side. Third overstepping of the over. NO BALL again.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, on a length, Beau throws his hands at that one and nearly edges it. Misses.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, EDGED, FOUR! Streaky. Full, outside off, Beau Webster looks to drive but the ball nips back in a touch, takes the inside edge and rockets past the leg stump to the fine leg fence.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Outside off, moving away, left alone.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Full on off, defended solidly. Another overstepping, another NO BALL.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, FOUR! SLAP! A touch short outside off, Webster punches this through point. Deep point has around 5-6 yards to cover to his right but he cannot get there! 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, On a length, around middle, Beau Webster defends. Mulder has overstepped and it is called a NO BALL.

Alex Carey walks in next at number 7, replacing Steve Smith. It is a change of ends, but not for Maharaj. Wiaan Mulder it is. 7-3-11-0 so far.

Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, OUT! CAUGHT! Change of ends or not, this bowling change has definitely brought about a change in the match situation! This is precisely why you need giraffes in your team. The wicket belongs to Markram but Marco Jansen is the chief contributor in this. Tossed up enticingly outside off, with a touch of width, the well-set Smith looks to bash this through the covers. But the ball turns in and takes the outside edge. It goes quickly to the left of first slip, where the tall Marco Jansen sticks out his left hand. But it does not stick. What it does do is, pop the ball over Jansen's head, completing the parabola to his right. Jansen tries again, this time with his right hand. But it still does not stick. However, this time, the ball does not pop up too high and Jansen is aware where the ball is going. Watches it closely and dives to his right to take a stunner! Just the 4th wicket in Tests for Aiden Markram but boy, will be bouyed! Massive moment in the game, as the 79-run stand is broken. Smith departs for 66 and AUSTRALIA ARE 146/5!

Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, Fuller, around off, worked through mid on but short mid-wicket stops it with a dive to his left.

Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, Around off, worked towards square leg.

Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, Outside off, defended solidly towards cover.

Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, My word, that turned! There is no grass on the surface but the GOAT will be licking his lips. Give me 100 more runs, folks, 100 more, that's what he will be telling his batters. This is landed outside off, Steve Smith looked to tickle it fine but the ball spun in a mile, past the bat! Good take by the keeper.

Aiden Markram to Beau Webster, Down the leg side, helped through fine leg for a single.

Interesting. Aiden Markram has been given the ball. Suspect that this might be for a change of ends for Keshav Maharaj.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Quicker ball, punched through the covers for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, defended from the crease.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Fuller, around off, Steve Smith gets across and laps it away. Gets a bit of a top edge but there is no short fine leg and the ball lands safely. A run taken.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Fractionally short, outside off, Webster goes back and punches it past cover, for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Landed around off, punched towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Landed around middle, from around the wicket, Beau Webster gets a big stride in to defend towards cover.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Back of a length and outside off, Steve Smith looks to reach out and slash it away but can't get it past Marco Jansen at backward point.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Length ball, well outside off, Smith walks across and then leaves it alone. That one bounced a second time before going to the keeper.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Hard length over middle, angling in, worked away 'round the corner on the leg side for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, FOUR! Nice timing. On a length, outside off, Beau Webster opens the face of his bat and steers it behind point. No one in the deep and that will be a boundary. His 6th, as Webster moves to 33 (46).

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Similar ball this time Beau Webster gets across and nudges it towards mid on.

Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, On a length, around off, watchfully defended.

Wiaan Mulder returns. 6-3-6-0 so far. Ngidi might just feel a little hard done by, as he was just starting to settle into a rhythm. But from Bavuma's point of view, he cannot allow the game to drift.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Floated up, very full and around middle, Smith stays leg side of the ball and comes forward to push it towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, This is flatter, on a nagging length on off, Webster backs away and punches it in front of point for another single.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Tossed up, full and around off, turning away, Smith extends those flowing arms and drives it to deep cover-point for one more.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Full and straight, less flight, 80 kph, Smith lunges to defend.

Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Tossed up, around off, Beau Webster leans and pushes this through the covers for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Full, around off, Steve Smith leans and drives it wide of mid off for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, FOUR! Beau Webster on the rise and he will be feeling so much better right now. Too full and too wide, Webster leans across and spanks this one square through covers for a second boundary in the over.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Slips in a very full ball, angling it in at the base of the off stump. Webster is rushed and is late on the shot, eventually jamming it out on the off side. There is some excitement amongst the Proteas and they think it hit the pad first. Temba Bavuma does review this one and the third umpire comes in. The very first replay confirms that clearly the ball went straight onto the bat and the reviews have not worked out for South Africa at all.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, FOUR! Down the wrong line and Beau Webster says 'Thank You' to Lungi Ngidi. Full and angling down leg, Webster clips it away and the ball races away into the fine leg fence.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and straight, Steve Smith gets across to flick but is hit on the pads. Once again, the inside edge comes to his rescue as the ball dribbles through square leg and the batters take the single. Ngidi's bowling figures actually do not do justice to the way he has bowled. It might just be a matter of a wicket before he gets rolling.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Around off, pushed towards mid off.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Full and straight, Beau Webster looks to defend but gets a bit of an inside edge down the ground. He is searching for the ball but Smith quickly calls him through for the single.

DRINKS BREAK. A decent hour for the batting side. 56 runs in under 14 overs but most importantly, not a single wicket lost. The sun is out in full splendour and the ball is 37 overs old, but still has not lost its swing or movement. Despite the lack of wickets, the Proteas have been pretty disciplined and barring one-odd deliveries here and there, have not given loose stuff to the Aussies. They will still believe that it is a matter of a wicket before things change again. This stand is worth 56 but Beau Webster is far from looking settled. Clearly, Smith is the key.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Steve Smith seems disappointed with that shot! Flighted delivery, slower and outside off, Smith leans on to drive but mistimes it straight to cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, FOUR! That's bread and butter for a well-set Steve Smith. This is a drag-down, bowled into the surface and outside off. There is some grip but the ball holds in the deck and Smith gets ample time to get on the back foot, fetch the ball and smash it over the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Nicely flighted again, not very full but full enough and gets it to deviate a touch from around off, Smith drives it straight to point.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Full, around off, pushed towards point.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, That is exactly what we meant. Just the second ball of spin and Smith is off the blocks in a flash. Looks to swing it towards the leg side and miscues it. Luckily for him, it does not carry to short mid-wicket.

Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Thrown up, outside off, a touch wide, Steve Smith leans and drives it through the covers. By the time sweeper sweeps it off, two runs are taken.

Aha! Spin time! Kagiso Rabada gets a well-deserved rest. 6 overs in his first spell and 6 again in his second. Here comes Keshav Maharaj. It will be interesting to see the approach of the two batters. Will they try and be ultraaggressive?

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, This one is bowled shorter and wider of the off stump, Steve Smith cuts it hard but straight to deep point for one. The 50-run stand is up between these two, a crucial one from Australia's point of view.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Pitches this one up wide of the off stump, Smith hops across the off stump and dabs the ball down to cover-point.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Good length, on a tight line around off and darting back in, Webster gets halfway forward and blocks it off wide of mid on. The batters pick up a quick single.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Fuller now, around off, pushed towards point.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Outside off, on a length, punched towards cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, FOUR! SLAP! Enough of blocking, says Webster. Any which ways, he is getting beaten on both the edges. Gets a length ball, around off and pulls it down the ground, just wide of Ngidi, to his right. Seemed like less contact initially but once the ball touched the grass, the fielders came second in the chase.

Visiting batters with most 50-plus scores in England - 18 - Steve Smith (Aus) | 17 - Allan Border (Aus) | 17 - Sir Vivian Richards (WI) | 14 - Sir Don Bradman (Aus) | 14 - Sir Garry Sobers. Another achievement for Smudge.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Good length outside off, Smith just leans on and eases it through extra cover for a couple of handy runs.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On the fuller side, outside off and shaping away, much easier leave this time for SS.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Ooh, that is some serious movement, even after almost 35 overs. KG lands this one on a good length around off, Steve Smith looks to leave it on height but the ball just shoots back in and catches Smith on the thigh pads and goes towards the keeper. Rabada appeals for LBW but immediately Smith indicates that height was the factor. Not sure, to whom.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Full and straight, Steve pushes it towards mid off.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, Smith looks to nudge and run to the leg side, but changes his mind, as the fielder comes in quickly from mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Little bit of width given by Rabada, outside off, Steve Smith looks to cut but toe-ends it towards cover.

They say in England, climate plays a big role in influencing the Cricket ball to swing. But the sun is out, and the movement hasn't yet dried up. South Africa won't be complaining one bit, while the ones currently sitting in the opposite balcony will hope that the movement is sustained during the next innings too.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, A bit too full and straight this time, Smith takes the front leg out and jams the ball down to wide long on for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Oh, a bit of an inside edge and that has probably saved Steve Smith. Ngidi keeps the length on the fuller side and tries to angle it in towards middle and leg. Smith walks across to clip it away but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Goes a bit wider on the crease and tries to spear one through the gate. Smith gets across a bit and safely tucks it towards mid-wicket. Ngidi has overstepped again and out comes the NO BALL signal.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and in the channel outside off, angling in, Smith leaves it alone.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, A quick short ball, around off, pushed through the area between mid on and mid-wicket, for a run. The stand moves to 40 (62).

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Outside off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Ouch! Smith gets hurt now. A short ball again, outside off, Steve Smith goes for the pull but not for the first time today, misses to connect. He is way too early through the shot and the ball comes in and hits him on his bread basket. He goes down a touch in pain. The third umpire meanwhile, informs umpire Chris Gaffaney that Ngidi has overstepped. NO BALL signalled.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, A short ball, around middle, nudged towards square leg.

Aha! Chris Gayle is there at Lord's too, watching all the entertainment! What an entertainer he was. That score of 333 - was covering that game personally and could clearly read the look on Lankan faces - will this end?

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Oh, that is a lovely delivery to end the over and probably this spell as well. Dishes out a full ball, around the fifth stump line and gets this one to shape away a fair bit. Beau Webster looks for the cover drive but is well beaten past the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Straightens the line and hits the deck hard, Webster blocks it back to the bowler.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Pitched-up delivery in the channel outside off, nibbling away, Webster makes a well-watched leave.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, punched straight to point.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Outside off, pushed towards cover for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, FOUR! SLAM! HALF CENTURY FOR STEVE SMITH. In 76 balls. Not surprisingly, the lone man up for a fight from Australia, in challenging conditions  His 5th 50-plus score in his last 6 Test innings at Lord's! A touch short, outside off, a touch wide as well, Steve Smith throws his bat at it and crashes it behind gully, for a boundary! THE 100 IS UP FOR AUSTRALIA as well.

One more for KG? He has bowled 4 overs in this spell but the way he is schooling Webster at the moment, might be worth giving him one more over. And Bavuma agrees.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Hits the hard length and gets the ball to jam back in from around off, Webster watchfully punches it out to covers.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, FOUR! That's much better from Beau Webster. A bit of extra width on offer, fractionally short as well. Webster is able to rock back and smack it in front of covers for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Hard length, slanted in from outside off and gets it to seam away, Webster taps it into the off side.

Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, A touch wide again, outside off, punched straight to point.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Short and wide outside off, 136 kph, Smith throws his bat at it but guess that the ball does not come off the surface. Hence, he toe-ends it through cover and gets a single. That's one of the things which Pat Cummins mentioned at the toss, about the surface getting slower as the days went by. But for that to become Australia's advantage, they need at least 250 in their first dig.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and wide outside off, probably a gentle loosener, Steve Smith lets it go.

Lungi Ngidi is back on. 4-0-19-0 so far.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, BEATEN! Kagiso Rabada entices Beau with a full and wide one now and the Aussie goes chasing after it. The feet go nowhere and the ball swings further away, beating the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, That three-quarter length again from KG, in and around off stump, Webster looks to stay upright and thrash it through covers but gets a big inside edge onto the pads.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Slightly pitched up, attacking off stump. Beau Webster looks to tap and run but Tristan Stubbs moves quickly to his right at short covers and stops the single.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, A touch short outside off, Webster has another waft, only to miss.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, pushed down to mid on.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, On a length, outside off, nips back in sharply, Beau Webster looks to defend but the ball pitches and whizzes past the inside edge.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Landed a touch wide outside off, Steve Smith gets across and shoulders arms.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a good length, just around off, SS gets across and blocks it down the pitch.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, defended to the off side.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Dug in short, this is around middle and leg, Steve gets across and then lets it pass.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, This one nips back in a long way. Smith looks to drive through the off side but the ball pitches and then seams past the outside edge. It continues its movement as the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, has to dive to his left to collect that.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, outside off, Steve Smith gets a long way across and defends.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, On a length, outside off, Webster pushes but misses.

Over done? Not yet. The umpires were about to call the over but then they realized that a ball is pending. Here comes Rabada again...

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, left alone.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Fuller, outside off, left alone again.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, seaming away, shouldered arms to.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Ouch, that will hurt. On a length, outside off, Webster looks to defend but gets hit on the soft spot behind his right pad. He immediately goes down in pain and winces. Rabada appeals for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Bavuma asks Rabada regarding the review but he gets a reply that there was bat involved. Now, the replays seem inconclusive as one angle seems to show that there was no bat, while another seems to indicate that it might have been bat. It would have been interesting to see what would have UltraEdge shown because Ball Tracking returned three reds!

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, FOUR! ELEGANT! Overpitched, outside off, Beau Webster leans into the shot, gets his feet to the pitch of the ball and drives it through the covers!

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, FOUR! Uppish but in the gap. A length ball, outside off, Steve Smith reaches out and looks to push this through the covers. However, he is not in control of the shot and ends up spooning it. Luckily for him, it is wide of Keshav Maharaj at point, to his right and races to the boundary behind.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, Webster looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. The  ball rolls towards cover and a single is taken.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, A short ball, around off, Beau helps a pull over square leg for a couple.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, This one looks much closer and South Africa have reviewed! The height and impact seem to be in sync. Cummins looks concerned in the Aussie balcony. UMPIRE'S CALL AGAIN! This time on impact. On a length outside off, from around the wicket, coming back in, Beau Webster looked to defend but missed and was hit on the pads, just below the knee roll. The South African supporters started to cheer when Ball Tracking showed the ball to be hitting the leg stump, but they overread that orange line in the impact section.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, A short ball, around middle, Smith swivels, gets inside the line and pulls it towards long leg for a single.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, outside off, nipping back in sharply, Steve Smith gets across to defend but misses and is hit on the pads. Jansen appeals for LBW but it is turned down. Bavuma has a chat with his bowler regarding the review but Jansen is not too keen. Maybe, the height was the issue.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Around off, pushed towards mid on.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Cut into half! Welcome to Lord's, Beau. On the previous deliveries, he was getting defeated by the ball moving away. Now, he is undone by the one moving in. This one lands on a length outside off, Webster looks to defend but the ball cuts back in sharply, squaring him into two. Good collection by the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, diving to his left.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Beautiful hands. On a length, around off, Steve Smith gets across and works it through mid-wicket. Does not have enough timing to reach the ropes and it is cut off. Three runs taken.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Squared up now. Rabada lands this around middle and Webster initially looks to flick. But the ball seams away late, squaring the batter up and going off the leading edge towards cover. Tristan Stubbs charges across from point and Temba Bavuma charges to his left from cover but the batters complete the quick single.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, That is a jaffa. The slope comes into effect from The Nursery End, as the batter is drawn in to meet the ball. However, as soon as it lands, it just deviates away past the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, On a length, outside off, stays a touch low, Beau Webster adjusts well by getting low quickly, after the initial rise, punching the ball towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Another short ball, 139 kph, once again Steve Smith swivels across to pull but is unable to lay any part of the bat on the ball. It goes off his hip again, this time to leg slip. Consecutive maidens for Marco Jansen.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, A bit too wide outside off, short of full, SS lets it go again.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Honing on the good length outside off, Steve gets across and shoulders arms.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Finally puts bat on ball as Smith gets across and nudges this towards short leg.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, outside off, nipping back in sharply, Smith looks to defend but misses and the ball goes off the hip towards first slip.

Someone has finally informed the Sun God that the WTC final has begun. Out comes the sun, just to have a peek-a-boo through the clouds.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Ouch. A short ball, outside off, Steve Smith looks to pull with a swivel but misses and gets hit on the hip.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Full and straight, Smith gets across and works this wide of mid on. The ball is stopped before the ropes and the batters return for three. 11 from the over, now that's a surprise, aye?

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, FOUR! POUNDED! Short and outside off, Steve Smith takes full advantage of that delivery, leaps and upper cuts it over the slip cordon, to the deep third fence! Never intended to keep that down.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Landed on a length, outside off, Smith defends it solidly towards mid off.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, A smidge fuller and well outside off, going straight on, Steve Smith just watches the ball go past him and towards the keeper.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On a hard length, slightly wide of the off stump and angling away, left alone by Smith.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, FOUR! Pressure or not, Steve Smith won't miss out on that delivery. Short and wide, a real loosener to start the new spell. Smith extends his arms and slaps the ball in front of square on the off side for a boundary.

Will we see Rabada now? Indeed. Bavuma going for the kill. Get your best bowlers to start the session and nip any sort of a fightback in the bud. 6-4-9-2 so far.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, Arrowed down the leg side, Beau misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A wicket maiden for Jansen, whose bowling figures read 8-2-27-2.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, Fractionally short, outside off, Webster still is forced to stand tall and let it go.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, On a length, outside off, shouldered arms to.

Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, Aggressive start from Jansen! No signs of respite as Jansen starts off with a quick bumper right after Lunch and angles this one over the middle stump. Beau Webster ducks under it well.

The umpires stroll their way out to the middle. Smith and Webster follow suit. Now, the bunch of Saffas come out to the middle. It will be Jansen to finish his pending over to Webster.

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

150 all out? Given South Africa's discipline so far, they will say that Australia should not be allowed to cross 125 from here. With just Beau Webster and Alex Carey to come as specialist batting options, not undermining the captain by any means, the Proteas will know that they are not far away from batting themselves. The conditions have not improved that much and Beau Webster is already beside Smith, waiting for the umpires to take the field again.

Problems for Australia. Surprised? Maybe. Batting problems for Australia? Definitely not surprised. The Aussie batters have been under the pump for the last few years now and it has been Steve Smith and David Warner who have been scoring the bulk of the team's runs. Once again, the top order has disappointed with only Steve Smith managing to cross 20. Travis Head tried to counterattack and there was a brief moment before Lunch, when the scoring rate picked up, but that was doused just before the break.

While we have been talking about Rabada and Jansen, let's not forget the role played by Wiaan Mulder. His bowling figures of 6-3-6-0 - that too, as the fourth seamer, has just not allowed the Aussies to shake off the pressure. Normally, batters try and attack bowlers who come in as first change or second but Mulder has just been on the money. His metronomical bowling has helped the pressure to be maintained and not let Australia off the hook.

This Test was always considered to be a fight between two of the best bowling attacks in this Test cycle. And the overcast conditions have just added that extra bit of spice to the same. Kagiso Rabada set the tone early on and struck twice in 4 balls. After that, Marco Jansen broke the budding stand between Smith and Labuschagne before getting a lucky one in the form of Head right at the stroke of Lunch. Rarely did we see a string of loose deliveries in the session, making the Aussie batters fight hard.

What a session for South Africa. They have made good use of the conditions and moving ball after winning the toss and not disappointed themselves. To get 4 wickets after winning the toss is nothing less than a dream start for any bowling captain, that too in a final.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A strangle down the leg side, right on the stroke of Lunch and South Africa have owned this first session. Marco Jansen looks to attack the pads and bowls it a bit full, darting it into the left-hander, but misses his line and slips it down the leg side. Travis Head stays compact and looks to flick it but gets a slight tickle as the ball flies down the leg side. Kyle Verreynne springs across to his right and snaffles a brilliant one-handed catch. Head has a bit of a smile on his face as he walks back but he will be thoroughly disappointed with that. Australia are 67/4 at Lunch on Day 1!

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Nicely bowled! This is bowled just full of a good length and into the corridor of uncertainty. The ball also shaps away sharply as Head looks to lean on and block, but he is beaten past the outside edge.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Landed outside off, Steve gets across and looks to defend. In doing so, he gets a bottom edge which bounces wide of the stumps. Instinctively, Smith goes back and plays a lovely punch, straight towards gully. Much better shot than the one he played previously on the same ball.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, This is full and straight, Smith punches it back to Mulder who mimes a throw back, just to make Smith get back into his crease.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full, around off, pushed towards cover.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full again and outside off, darting it in towards the batter, Smith goes across and blocks it to covers.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Oh, that is a beauty! Pitches it up full again and in the channel around off, Steve Smith takes a step across looking to block but the ball seams away and whizzes past the outside edge.

As this duo of Head-Smith has come together, runs have started to flow a bit. South Africa can't take their foot off the peddle. In the last WTC Final played at The Oval in 2023, Australia were 76/3 in the first innings against India, when these two gentlemen got together. The duo managed to put on a massive 285-run partnership.

Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Pitched up around middle and angling in, flicked away well in front of the fielder at deep backward square leg but only for a single.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, How close is this? With one second left on the DRS timer, Temba Bavuma has reviewed an LBW appeal. Smith had got a long way across and the ball seemed to dart a touch low, catching him on the knee roll, possibly in front of middle stump. The replay shows around the knee roll. This could be very, very close! Only height will be the factor. Clipping the top of leg stump, says Ball Tracking! Wow, what a delivery and what a decision. Could have gone either way, simply because Smith got a long way across in trying to flick. But Chris Gaffaney must have considered the angle from around the wicket.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Outside off, pushed towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Landed wide outside off, on a length, Steve Smith gets across, shoulders arms and then swats flies with a late swish down the track. Imaginary flies of course. Struggling to find a comprehensive description for a simple left alone ala Smith syle.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, FOUR! All of a sudden, Australia have picked up the pace! Not all that short and wide, but yes, there to be hit. Steve Smith hangs back well and cuts it firmly behind point as the ball races away to the fence. 8 off this over in the first 3 balls.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Too full again and around off, a hint of away movement. Head waits back well and eases it away in front of the point region for a single.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Classic Steve Smith! Overpitched and outside off, Smith walks across and gets a good stride in, shows the full face of the bat and drives it through extra cover. The fielder at mid off gives the long chase as the batters pick up three comfortable runs.

Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, That's a Travis Head special. How does he play that shot? Wiaan Mulder comes in from around the wicket and angles this towards the off stump. But Head, with excellent manouver of his wrists, opens the face of his bat to steer the ball behind point. The fielder tracks it down and keeps the batters to a couple.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, Smith gets inside the line and works it towards fine leg for a single.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full and just around off, Steve Smith gets across and pushes it back to the bowler.

Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Hard length into the batter, clipped away wide of mid on for a quick single by Travis Head.

Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Around the wicket to the left-hander, bowling it a bit short again and around the top of off. Head hops back to defend it down the pitch.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Short of a length, over middle, Smith walks inside the line to flick but misses. The ball goes off the thigh guard and wide of the keeper towards short fine leg. They pick up a leg bye.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, FOUR! PLUNDERED! Well, this time, Head cannot be faulted. This was just too juicy to be missed out. Short and wide outside off, Travis Head stands tall, gets on top of the bounce and slaps it over cover for his first boundary. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA, but after a lot of damage.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, The length is pulled back now. Around off, Head jumps and pushes it towards point.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Travis Head is underway. Overpitched from his SRH counterpart, on middle and leg, Head whips this through mid-wicket and runs quickly to come back for the second.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, A touch fuller on middle, Travis Head pushes it off the crease to mid on.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Short of a length, moving in a touch, outside off, Travis Head this time decides to shoulder his arms as he leaves it alone.

Mate, the IPL is next in 2026. Probably, that's what Steve Smith told Travis Head after that shot. Head walked all the way down to the middle of the pitch to hear what exactly did the former skipper say and clearly enough, Smith is not happy at all with this approach.

Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Travis Head is not going to hang around defending the ball! First ball, that lands on a length and shapes away, the line being well outside off, Travis Head has a slash at that one as the ball goes past his outside edge.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Definite movement on this one. Into the batter, Steve covers the line and pushes it towards point.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Overpitched, around off, hint of inswing, driven towards mid off.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full, just around off, Steve Smith defends this back to the bowler.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Fuller and swinging into the right hander, the line is outside off. Steve Smith watches the ball carefully as he judges the line well and doesn't offer a shot to that one.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Back of a length on off, Steve Smith shuffles across and defends it to mid on.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, On a length and outside off, Steve Smith shoulders his arms to that one.

Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, A touch full and moving away, in the channel outside off, Steve Smith leaves it alone. Wow, that one zipped through to the keeper. Oh, Wiaan Mulder has overstepped. NO BALL.

Travis Head walks in next at number 5, replacing Marnus Labuschagne.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Jansen gets the third for South Africa as Marnus Labuschagne walks back shaking his head, possibly as an answer to the question - 'Do you know where your off stump is?' A lovely delivery but once again, have to question the batting discipline. Marco Jansen lands this on a good length, but well outside off. For some reason, Labuschagne decides that he should be playing at this one, which is very wide from him. Could have been left alone and possibly, that's what he also thinks, but very late. He pushes and then decides to withdraw his bat, but water had flown under the bridge by then. Maybe, he expected the ball to move back in. But it didn't and all he managed was a thin outside edge to the keeper. Easy catch for Kyle Verreynne. Labuschagne departs for 17 and the master and disciple have been separated after aggregating 30 together. AUSTRALIA ARE 46/3!

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR LEG BYES! A quick bouncer from Marco Jansen, from around the wicket, Marnus Labuschagne ducks but the ball probably does not bounce as much as he expected it to. The ball hits his left shoulder and goes above first slip, to the deep third fence. The stand moves to 30.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around middle, pushed down to mid on.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Length ball angled into the right hander on middle, Steve Smith moves across with his natural trigger and plays the flick towards deep fine leg for a single.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Overpitched on off, Steve Smith drives it off the crease to mid off.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Length ball just outside off, Steve Smith gets behind the line of the bal and defends it towards short mid-wicket.

It is all about confidence. The on-air commentators are observing the change in Marnus Labuschagne's game plan, over the last year or so, seeing a stark contrast from the time he made his debut. The current Labuschagne seems to be content in just watching balls off and trying to defend as solidly as he can. But in that process, it does appear that he forgets to score runs and brings pressure on himself and the team, as the scoreboard gets stuck. Contrary to this, in his initial days of international cricket, he used to be a hustler and a bustler, not letting the opposition settle. Who can forget the way he handled Jofra Archer those years ago, when he came in as a concussion substitute for the legend he is currently batting with? Seems like eons ago. Meanwhile, Marco Jansen returns. 4-1-12-0 so far.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch wider outside off, Marnus shoulders arms.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and just around off, Labuschagne covers the line nicely and defends it on the walk, towards the bowler.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, around middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short mid-wicket.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball well outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch fuller and swinging into the right hander around off, Marnus Labuschagne doesn't judge the line right and shoulders his arms to it, but the ball swings in and hits him near the thigh guard area of his back foot. A loud appeal from the bowling side but the umpire is unmoved. The bowling side decides against the review. Probably the ball was not doing enough to crash into the sticks and hence South Africa haven't gone for the review.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Full on off, Marnus Labuschagne drives off the front foot to mid off as he presents the full face off the bat while playing the shot.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, FOUR! ELEGANT! First real expansive shot from Steve Smith. Overpitched, wide outside off, Smith gets across, reaches the pitch of the ball and drives it through cover-point. The fielder at point tried to put in a dive to his right but the ball disappeared in a flash.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Was that a slower ball? Nope, the machine reads 133 kph. It just seemed to come slowly off the deck, after landing on a length, outside off. Smith got across and let it pass.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and wide outside off, Steve Smith gets across and shoulders arms.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length ball with a hint of movement into the right hander, on off, Steve Smith defends it to short cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and swinging into the right hander, in the channel outside off, Steve Smith judges the line well as he leaves it alone.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length ball angling into the right hander, on middle, Steve Smith defends it off the back foot.

Excellent observation by Shaun Pollock on air. He mentions that Wiaan Mulder has made a slight adjustment in his bowling runup. Adds that initially, Mulder's back foot, meaning his right leg, used to be angled towards the leg slip, but now, it is more towards the batter, which helps him in getting sideways movement.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Another dot ball and back-to-back maidens for Wiaan Mulder to begin his spell. Keeps the length relatively full but bowls it wider and gets the ball to angle in sharply. Marnus leaves it alone.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fuller and closer to the off stump, slanting on with the angle, Labuschagne tucks it neatly to mid-wicket.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, outside off, threatening to swing but holds its line. Labuschagne makes a well-watched leave.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Again on a length, in the corridor of uncertainty, Marnus Labuschagne watches it carefully as he shoulders his arms to that one.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length delivery, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball angling in, going down the slope and then shaping away, in the channel outside off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes at it as the ball takes the outside edge and goes to the right of second slip, where Aiden Markram dives in front but the ball lands just short of him.

It is always started by England, isn't it? They were the ones to start cricket, work out how to get the great Don Bradman out, push T20 into action mode and now, work Steve Smith over. They were the ones who started to keep a leg slip for Smith, because of his tendency to get across and work the ball fine. Now, that is another issue that they have not found great success with that move, but it has been widely accepted by other teams. Temba Bavuma has now kept Marco Jansen at leg slip, precisely for that clip down the leg side. The reason being, when the ball is bowled on the leg stump, it is very difficult for a batter to leave it alone, assuming that it will not hit the pads or the stumps.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and outside off, left alone for the keeper to collect.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, FOUR! Oh, the plan almost worked perfectly for South Africa but somehow, Steve Smith has bisected the field. On a nagging length around middle, slanting back in. Smith looks to walk across and clip it away but he is aware of the leg slip and almost tries to bail out of the shot, which he can't. The ball ends up being flicked off the inside edge and goes between the keeper and leg slip for a boundary.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Good-length delivery, wide outside off and seaming further away, Smith leaves it alone.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Fuller again on middle, Steve Smith defends it off the front foot to mid on.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length ball on middle leg, Steve Smith plays the push towards short mid-wicket.

Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, FOUR! Easy pickings! Full and sliding on the leg stump, Steve Smith flicks this one fine, as the ball goes racing away to the fine leg fence.

DRINKS BREAK. A positive hour for South Africa. They have not let the new ball go waste after winning the toss and managed to snare two wickets. From Australia's point of view, it is more about being disciplined and probably, Usman Khawaja would have let himself down, more than anyone. The ball is still moving around and with the conditions overcast, one can expect a tough proposition for the Aussie batters to handle. Not for the first time this decade, Smith and Labuschagne have been given the task of repairing the damage and currently, they are just trying to eat up as many balls as possible and tire the bowlers out. Maybe it's just the way he plays but Labuschagne has looked like getting out every now and then. But for the stats, he has faced 41 balls now and got a start. Will be interesting to see for how long does the ball move, with the shine slowly wearing off.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, that was a nice change up from Mulder! This one is full and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leans on to drive, but the ball shapes back in and beats the inside edge. Mulder begins with a maiden!

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Brings the line a few inches closer to the off stump and hits the deck hard, Labuschagne covers the line well and defends it off.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Great disciplined bowling from Mulder thus far. Just full of a good length, outside off and seaming away. Labuschagne shoulders arms.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length, outside off, around the sixth stump line, Marnus Labuschagne gets behind the line of the ball and blocks it off the back foot.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne plays a solid block off the front foot as he plays this one right under his eyes.

Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, in the channel outside off, hint of shape away from the right hander. Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

One more? Rabada has already bowled 6 overs on the trot. Will he go for the 7th? Nope. Time for some well-deserved rest. Here comes Wiaan Mulder, the fourth seamer in this attack. He is no mug by any means, as he can get the ball to move away from the righthanders.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Well-controlled by Marnus Labuschagne. Length ball around off, swinging away, Labuschagne gets nicely onto the front foot and punches it in between point and covers. Temba Bavuma is the one who gives the chase as the batters muster up three runs.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Just drags the line and length a bit. Not all that full and around off, making Labuschagne play at it and this one is solidly blocked off.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Keeps the length full and slightly wide of the off stump, gets it to seam away. Easy leave for Marnus.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball in the channel outside off, Marnus Labuschagne puts his front foot ahead and withdraws from the shot as he shoulders his arms to that one.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Now a bit fuller and well outside off, shaping away again, Marnus Labuschagne watches it carefully as he leaves it alone.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length delivery bowled from wide of the crease, angling it into the right hander and then shaping away after pitching. Unplayable. The line is in the corridor of uncertainty. Marnus Labuschagne has a poke at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Adding more on Rabada - he now has 15 wickets in Tests at Lord's - the most by a South African pacer at this venue. He is tied with Morne Morkel at present. He is tied with Morne Morkel at present but his average of 17.4 easily makes the Giraffe look dwarf on the list.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Hard length again, over off stump, Smith walks across and taps the ball towards mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Hard-length delivery, just outside off, Steve Smith hops past the off stump and defends the ball down in front of point.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Smith is early to take a step across the off stump and KG jams the ball back in from around off. Smith has to adjust and block it off.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Back of a length, outside off, Steve Smith shoulders his arms to this one as he lets it go.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On a length, in the channel outside off, moving away, Steve Smith with his usual trigger moves across a bit and has a feel for the ball. The ball shapes away to whiz past his outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Back of a length around off, Steve Smith punches it off the back foot to the right of point, who puts in a dive and saves potentially four runs. Tristan Stubbs, the fielder.

So much has happened in the last 20 minutes. Kagiso Rabada struck twice in the span of 4 balls and in that process, he went past a milestone. Usman Khawaja's wicket was Rabada's 50th in Tests against Australia, making OZ the third such nation against whom KG has got 50 or more scalps. He has taken 66 against England and 55 against India. In this current form, he might go past that 55 by the end of this innings or match.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit of swing that time! Quite full and around off, nipping away, Labuschagne is dragged out onto the front foot but manages to block it off.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fuller and angled in more towards the stumps, Labuschagne stays watchful and blocks it solidly off the front foot.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Bowled on a hard length around off, darted in, Marnus stays back and blocks it off with soft hands.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! CRISP! Slightly overpitched outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leans into the shot and gets to the pitch of the ball. Gets his front foot across and more importantly, gets his head across as well. Meets the ball in the perfect spot and drives it beautifully between cover and point, for his first boundary of the final.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, This one's right on the money. Ngidi lessens the width and keeps the ball closer to the off stump. Bangs it short and forces Labuschagne to play at that. The extra bounce gets the ball past the outside edge.

Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and slightly wide outside off, Marnus Labuschagne lets it pass.

Lungi Ngidi comes in as the first bowling change of the morning.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, FOUR! Those lovely hands coming into play from Steve Smith. Fractionally short and gently moving away from outside off, Smith goes back and across before easing it on the up and through cover-point for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Just back of a length, on a tight line around off, Smith hops back and nudges it across to the on side.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Hammered in on a length and slanting it in from around off, Smith walks inside the line but leaves the ball alone, which ends down the leg side.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, This is way down the leg side, short in length. Smith gets inside the line and lets it pass.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On a length a bit wide outside off, Smith shoulders arms.

Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Steams in from the nursery end and darts this around middle, Steve Smith gets across to tuck but misses and is hit on the pads. A small appeal for LBW but it was going down leg.

Steven Smith has always enjoyed batting at Lord's. In the last 5 innings in Tests at this venue, he averages 101.8 which includes a double hundred.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, did that carry? No, just short! Marco Jansen goes wider on the crease and serves it on a good length, angling the ball into the pads. Marnus Labuschagne gets a bit cramped up and looks to nudge it down to fine leg. The ball takes a bit of an inside edge and deflects off the pads to the right of leg gully. The fielder there dives and pouches the ball, but on the bounce. Australia living dangerously at the moment.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On the shorter side of a good length and angled into the batter's body, Smith tucks it away in front of mid-wicket and opens his account with a single.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Jansen comes 'round the wicket now to Smith. This is served on the shorter side and angled in from around off. Smith goes back and across before punching it down in front of point.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Lovely ball. Full, around off, swinging in, Smith covers the line and swing, looking to defend. Still he gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, outside off, angling away, Steve Smith gets across and swishes at thin air, after the ball moves away. Not a play and a miss, but a Steve Smith style of leaving the ball.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leans and drives it through the covers for a single.

Steve Smith walks in next at number 4, replacing Cameron Green.

Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, OUT! EDGED AND GONE, AGAIN! Kagiso Rabada has lit up the WTC Final here with that double blow. Lovely delivery this, pitching it up a bit fuller on middle, threatening to shape in, but the ball lands and seams away. Cameron Green looks to play with a straight bat and down the line but gets squared up slightly and the outside edge is found. The ball goes low and in between the second and third slip. Aiden Markram at second slip, dives across to his right and manages to snare a brilliant catch with both hands, even though the third slip fielder had also made an attempt right in front of him. Green departs for 4 and Australia are 16/2 inside 7 overs!

Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, Much better from Rabada! Three-quarter length, around the fifth stump line and nibbling away. Green leaves it alone.

Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, FOUR! That is a freebie! KG angles one down the leg side, Cameron Green gets inside the line to flick but gets the cue end of the bat and the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence for the first boundary of the game.

Cameron Green walks in next at number 3, replacing Usman Khawaja.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Rabada, Rabada, flying Rabada. He flies and so does the ball. A 20-ball duck for the 'EXPERIENCED' Uzzie. He was trying to see the moving ball off but has to move back to the dressing room. Perfect length, just outside off, on a length, Usman Khawaja pushes at it, trying to get across. The feet don't move across much and he only manages a thick outside edge. It goes straight into the hand of David Bedingham at first slip. So after negating the first 30 minutes, the first wicket falls. AUSTRALIA ARE 12/1!

Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Fired in on middle and leg, Labuschagne falls over to flick but misses. The ball goes off his bat past Ryan Rickelton at square leg. A run taken. No signal from the umpire, must have been bat involved.

Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards mid on.

Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Pitched-up outside off, swinging further away, UK makes a comfortable leave.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, No ball! Uh, oh! Marco Jansen has overstepped yet again and that is one of the biggest front-foot no balls you'll ever see. A bit fuller and darted in towards the pads, Labuschagne is beaten for pace and the low bounce. The ball goes off the pads through fine leg and they get a leg bye.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball in the channel, angled across the right-hander, Marnus shoulders arms at it.

Not happy, is Marnus. Every now and then, there is a gentleman behind the pavilion, on the balcony, who keeps on standing up and then sitting down. Labuschagne points this down to the umpire.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Oh, that swung back in late! Jansen floats it up full and in the channel, Marnus Labuschagne makes a watchful leave but the ball shapes back in quickly with some sharp bounce as well. Good take from Kyle Verreynne.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, a play and a miss.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On middle and leg, clipped wide of mid on for a couple.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and wide outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leans and steers this behind point for a couple.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full, wide outside off, let through.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, This one bounces extra, pushed towards mid on again.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, This stays a touch low, pushed down towards mid on.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full, wide outside off, steered straight to point.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, That's a beauty. On a length, outside off, Usman Khawaja looks to push this down the ground but he does not move his feet. The ball holds its line and whizzes past the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full, around off, pushed down to mid on.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, left alone.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch short, around middle, Labuschagne helps this through mid-wicket for a couple.

Oh dear... don't want to do that to a fast bowler. Jansen comes charging in but Labuschagne bails out at the last moment. A slight disturbance around the sightscreen.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Landed outside off, swinging away, left alone.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, We finally have the first run off the bat in the final! On a length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend but the ball goes straight on and takes the inner half of the bat. Scoots through mid-wicket and the batters have enough time to return for the second.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, angling away, shouldered arms to. NO BALL signalled by the third umpire I guess. A big overstepping by Jansen. So a no ball gets Australia's scoreboard scraping.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Oohhs and aahs from the slip cordon. Jansen bowls this with a scrambled seam and lands it on a length around middle. This lands and then jags back in sharply, catching Labuschagne on the pads.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, around off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it solidly down the track, with a loud call of 'WAIT ON!'

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length outside off, a bit wide to be played. Accordingly, it is left alone. Third maiden on the bounce.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, A bit of wild bouncer, outside off, good height, Uzzie is not bothered at all.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Better from Rabada, targets the stumps from this angle and keeps it around off. But because of the height of the ball, UK lets it through.

Change of angle now. Rabada switches to around the wicket.

Good start from Jansen. We heard in the pitch report about looking to bowl at the stumps from the pavilion end and Marco in that over kept it in and around the stumps. Particularly looked to bowl the inward moving ball. From the pavilion end, the slope goes from left to right, and in such a case, the inswinger to the right hander can be mighty effective.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full and wide outside off. Easy leave for Usman.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length, around middle and leg, Khawaja tucks it through mid-wicket but straight to the fielder.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length, around off, curving in, Usman Khawaja waits for the ball to arrive and pushes it late towards gully.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Past the outside edge. Jansen pulls his length back a touch but keeps the line around off. Labuschagne is forced to play at that but the ball angles away sharply, whizzing past the outside edge. Consecutive maidens then.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, around off, 135 kph, a good solid defense exhibited by Marnus Labuschagne.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again, around off, ML watches it closely to get the bat down at the last moment to block.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off, angling away, good lift, Marnus lets it go.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, outside off, Labuschange leans and drives it towards mid off.

Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, 'WAIT ON!!!!!' Boy, we have missed this, haven't we? Or rather, 'NO RUN!!!' sounds better, I guess. Let's leave Wait on for Michael Clarke. But for now, that's what Labuschagne says. On a length, around off, hint of inward movement, Marnus Labuschagne watches the ball closely and defends solidly. No one is running but Marnus makes himself loud and clear to his partner.

Jansen from the other end? Sure it is. Tall is an understatement to describe the height of this lad.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Better length. Much fuller, outside off, gets UK playing at that and he does so, away from his body. Pushes it towards point. A maiden to start things off in the WTC final.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Landed outside off, a touch wide, left alone again.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length outside off, nipping back in sharply, Uzzie takes his bat out of harm's way.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full and straight Usman works it towards short mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Slips this one down the leg side, Khawaja misses his flick.

Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Perfect start. Forget Gujarat Titans. This is South Africa and Rabada is bang on the money. After a really poor IPL season, one might have felt Rabada being under pressure but nay, that is a thing of the past. Comes running in and lands it on the three-quarter length, around middle and gets it to move away. Usman Khawaja pushes inside the line and gets beaten.

The Proteas get together in a huddle, with quite a few words being said by Temba Bavuma. Out walk Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne - yet another different opening pair for the Aussies, as they are still struggling to find a replacement for a certain David Warner. I am not the best reader of body language but one can't help but feel that both openers would be nervous, because these are conditions where you would rather stand in the slips than with the bat. Kagiso Rabada has the bright new cherry in his hand and he will bowl to Khawaja. Four slips, a point and a mid off are the close-in catchers. Here we go...

The match officials walk out to the middle, followed by the players from both teams. The players are getting in line for the respective national anthems. Should be Australia's first, followed by that of the Proteas. Right. Advance Australia Fair is sung, followed by that of South Africa. So after nearly 4 months of coloured clothing and white-ball cricket, we are all set to welcome back red-ball cricket. Test match cricket returns and two of the best teams in the cycle take each other on at the home of cricket.

Pat Cummins, the captain of Australia, says that they are happy to bat first and it looks like a pretty good wicket, and it is dry, which means it will turn later on. He adds that the guys are raring to go, and the preparation has been very good, as they started 10 days ago. Cummins mentions that they are not worried about the pressure of being the defending champions as they have been at this stage before and are looking forward to it.

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa, says that the surface looks good but with the overhead conditions, they will look to make some early inroads. He says they have selected the best team for the conditions and are looking forward to giving their best. Adds that this is a massive occasion and this is something they wanted to do, they wanted to be here and play the finals.

Australia (Playing XI) - Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (C), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. South Africa were the first to qualify for the final, so Temba Bavuma will flip the coin. Heads is the call from Pat Cummins, but it lands as a Tail. SOUTH AFRICA ELECT TO BOWL.

PITCH REPORT - Nasser Hussain is pitchside along with Stuart Broad. Nasser mentions it's cloudy right now, but the weather is expected to get better. The dimensions of the ground are slightly towards the grandstand (bowling from nursery end). Stuart Broad says that there’s a famous saying about looking up and not down when you play here. He feels that with the clouds around, the bowlers will look to make merry of the conditions. He feels the pitch will play nicely and it will get better for batting, particularly on Day 2 when the sun comes out. He says it will be a challenge for teams to decide what they will do at the toss. He says captains have opted to bowl first most of the time over here, but results say something else. He mentions that the bowlers got to get used to the surface, in terms of the pace of the pitch and rhythm. He also tells that from the pavilion end, bowlers should look to shape it in, and from the nursery end, the bowlers should look to move it away and look for edges.

Right then, all the hardwork, the ups and downs of the past two years, all of it has led to this moment and both Australia and South Africa will be raring to get going. It is a bit of a muggy morning in London to begin with, but the forecast for Day 1 is positive. With the Playing XIs already locked in, it all comes down to the all-important toss, which is due to happen in just a few minutes' time. So, stick around as our build-up to the pinnacle Test event continues.

Beyond the tactical battles, this final carries significant narratives. Australia seek to further embellish their legacy as serial winners in ICC events, having already secured the ODI World Cup. For South Africa, this is a golden opportunity to shed the chokers' tag and clinch their first major ICC trophy in over two decades. The head-to-head records and recent form add further intrigue, with South Africa on a seven-match Test winning streak, while Australia boast an impressive record in ICC finals under Pat Cummins. All eyes will be on Lord's as these two cricketing giants vie for the coveted Test Mace.

Both teams enter the final with strategic adjustments to their playing XIs. Australia have opted for Marnus Labuschagne to open alongside Usman Khawaja, showcasing a desire to maximize their batting prowess. Meanwhile, South Africa have bolstered their already formidable pace attack with the inclusion of Lungi Ngidi, who will join the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in a fiery front-three pace attack. The Lord's pitch is expected to offer assistance to pacers early on, with the possibility of aiding spinners as the match progresses, setting up an intriguing battle between two of the world's best bowling units.

Hello, and a warm welcome to all cricket aficionados! The highly anticipated 2025 ICC World Test Championship Final is set to ignite at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground, pitting defending champions Australia against a determined South African side. This clash marks South Africa's maiden appearance in the WTC Final, while Australia, fresh off their 2023 triumph, aim to solidify their dominance in the longest format of the game. The stage is perfectly set for a thrilling five-day contest (with a reserve day in hand), promising a captivating display of Test cricket at its finest.

... MATCH DAY ...

Right. A lead of 74. Pitch still difficult to bat. Will Australia be able to make amends for their poor batting display in their first innings? Or will South Africa repeat their dosage? Out walk the two Aussie openers - Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne. A fired up Kagiso Rabada is all set to go hard at the Aussies again. Labuschagne to face.

Pat Cummins is up for a chat. Says that to take 6 wickets in an innings feels great, especially with his family here as well. More importantly, he adds, it is great to have a decent lead. On reaching the milestone of 300 Test wickets, Cummins says that it is way more than he could have asked for. Calls it great for a fast bowler, after going through niggles and injuries throughout his career and is really happy. On the pitch, Pat says that when the ball gets softer, it is not doing much but still feels that the odd ball is nipping around. Doesn't think batting is all that easy.

Full marks to Australia's bowlers for gaining a lead of 74. Mitchell Starc set the tone last evening with 2 wickets but today it was his off day. However, it was Cummins stepping up when Starc went down, Hazlewood was metronomical as usual.

It is a difficult pitch to bat upon but South Africa will be more disappointed today as compared to yesterday. On Day 1, the ball was moving around a lot, and it was a matter of being positive. But today, with the ball not doing that much, the score reading 126/5, one just feels that the Proteas just kicked off a very good opportunity. They can still make amends (remember that infamous 47 all out by Australia in the third innings in 2011), but the batters would be disappointed. Just 2 batters crossed 30 with no one reaching the 50-mark.

6 wickets to fall in the day so far - 5 OF THOSE TO CUMMINS. Australia were finding it tough to take wickets in the morning session and they needed someone to step up. Just as Temba Bavuma stepped up for the Proteas in the morning session, his rival has stepped up in the afternoon one. It was all about a game of patience as Australia waited for the batters to commit a mistake. Bavuma played a loose shot to gift his wicket away while that review of Kyle Verreynne by Pat Cummins will go down a long way in memory lane. Remember, on Day 1, Beau Webster was plumb LBW in front of the sticks, not given and Bavuma chose not to review. In this case, Verreynne was more or less plumb, not given LBW, but Cummins chose to review. Some calls are just difficult to explain.

What a game this is turning out to be. On Day 1, it was Australia who lost their last 5 wickets for 20 runs. Kagiso Rabada was the destroyer. Less than 24 hours later, South Africa lose their last 5 wickets for 12 runs. Pat Cummins is the destroyer. No wonder this is a contest between sides ranked 1 and 2 in the WTC cycle.

Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, OUT! CAUGHT! That's it! Test wicket number 300 for Pat Cummins and he also completes his six-wicket haul. What an occasion he has chosen to do so. And this couldn't have come at a better venue, at the Home of Cricket - The Lord's! A historic spell of bowling from him. Coming to the delivery, Cummins surprises Rabada with a sharp bumper, angled on the bodyline. Kagiso Rabada shapes up to execute the pull shot, and hits it aerially, but neither does he get the distance nor the elevation as the ball dips ahead of the deep mid-wicket fielder. Beau Webster stationed there in the deep, first misjudges to pick the trajectory of the ball,  but makes a smart adjustment to dive forward and scoop the ball before the ground. The umpires do check whether it is a fair catch, and yes, it is. South Africa's innings has been wrapped up at 138.

Is that it? Rabada has pulled one to deep mid-wicket where Beau Webster struggled to pick the ball but has dived to take the catch. He is claiming it, but Rabada is going nowhere. It is referred upstairs and the first replay confirms that it is as clean as a whistle.

Mitchell Starc to Lungi Ngidi, Full around off, tailing a bit in, pushed to mid off.

Lungi Ngidi is the last man in, replacing Keshav Maharaj.

Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj, OUT! RUN OUT! All going south for South Africa here. Quite a dramatic collapse this in this second session. Back of a length, skidding through around the leg stump line. Keshav Maharaj nudges this past the square leg region and runs the first one hard. The batters sniff the second run as the ball trickles into the vacant deep square leg region. However, Travis Head covers good ground to chase the ball from the mid-wicket region. He gets to the ball with a slide, and the throw is sharp and accurate from Head towards the keeper and Maharaj has to put on the afterburners to reach the other end to complete the second run. Alex Carey collects the throw cleanly and dislodges the bails off with Keshav Maharaj just short of his crease. The replays too, confirm the same. South Africa are 138/9 down now.

Is that trouble? A run out appeal has been referred upstairs against Keshav Maharaj. Hazlewood and Green are celebrating already and the first replay itself confirms. Bonus wicket for Australia.

Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj, Shortish, outside off, Keshav Maharaj first shapes to pull, but then aborts and drops his wrists as the ball nibbles away.

Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj, Angled across off, on a length. Keshav Maharaj tries to slash it through point, misses to lay any bat on it.

Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Around off, back of a length, Kagiso Rabada hits this past cover-point for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Keshav Maharaj, Hard length, on top of off, Keshav Maharaj taps it off the back foot, straight back down the ground for a quick single.

That second blow was really nasty. And this time the umpires do not want to take any chances. Signal towards the South African dressing for the physio to come out, who is having a check on Rabada. He is smiling, Rabada, so that's good to see. Meanwhile, yet another milestone for Captain Courageous. It is the first 5-wicket haul in a Test inning at Lord's by a fast bowler who is also the captain, since Bob Willis in 1982. Even just as a captain, the last player to take a 5-wicket haul here was Daniel Vettori in 2008. So Rabada is all good and hearty and Cummins gets Mitchell Starc back on. 12-3-38-2 so far.

Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Vicious stuff this from the Aussie captain! Another sharp bouncer angling into the left hander. Kagiso Rabada is cramped up for room, but tries to get out of the way, but the ball thuds on his helmet.

Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Ouch! Nasty! No respite even if you're a number 10 batter. Short of a length from Cummins, angling into the batter. Kagiso Rabada tries to sway away from the ball's line, but gets rammed on around his shoulder.

Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Good length on off, defended back.

Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Bangs the ball into the surface, short and on the body, angling in. Kagiso Rabada misses to lay the bat on the pull shot and gets hit on the body.

Kagiso Rabada walks in next at number 10, replacing David Bedingham.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! GONE! The Australian skipper has done some serious damage to this South African innings as he registers his five-for! He bowls it on a good length, keeping the line on the off stump. It lands and then straightens up a bit, which is enough to find the edge. David Bedingham who looks to execute the back foot punch into the off side, plays a bit inside the line and the ball takes the outside edge. Dips and goes low towards the keeper, where Alex Carey scoops the ball in his mitts safely. Three wickets have fallen since the Lunch break, and all three have been bagged by Patrick Cummins, the Aussie skipper. Cummins raises the ball and soaks in all the acknowledgment from the crowd and his teammates. South Africa slip further down to 135/8, still trailing by 77 more runs.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Woah! Seriously vicious bumper from Patrick, over the stumps. David Bedingham shapes up to pull it away but misses as the ball is a bit too high to execute that shot.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Quicker through the air, around off, Maharaj stays back to defend.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Outside off, a touch fuller, pushed towards cover.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, FOUR! That's a fine shot. Tossed up, outside off, Keshav Maharaj decides to take a calculated risk. Jumps down the track, does not quite get to the pitch of the ball but goes through with his attempted shot over cover. Ends up slicing it, but manages to get it over point. In fact, the ball reaches the fence as well. The deficit is now 77.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller on middle, Keshav Maharaj solidly defends it off the front foot.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Another short length off break, turning on middle leg, Keshav Maharaj looks to work it off the back foot, but he gets an inside edge on it as the ball goes to the right of forward short leg.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Short length off break, outside off, delivered from wide off the crease, David Bedingham punches it off the back foot, to the left of short cover for a single.

Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Full, outside off, a touch wide, Maharaj leans and plays a wonderful drive between cover and mid off. He sets off running but then sees the fielder quickly get to the ball, to his left and Maharaj changes his mind.

Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, A bumper now, around off, Keshav Maharaj ducks.

Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller, around off, driven straight to mid off.

Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Full on middle, Keshav Maharaj presents the full face of the bat and defends it towards mid off.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full on middle, David Bedingham flicks it to the right of wide mid on and takes a single.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, On a length, seaming into the right hander, around off, David Bedingham punches it off the back foot to short cover.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, around off, David Bedingham works it through mid-wicket for a run.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, That's a bit of a lapse from Australia. Don't think they realized that the field was not closing in for Maharaj. The ball was landed around off and all Keshav Maharaj had to do was push it towards cover where there was absolutely no one. Lyon himself had to rush towards the ball to collect. Single easily taken. Maharaj is off the mark.

Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, A touch short, around off, punched towards cover.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full and outside off, David Bedingham drives it off the front foot towards mid off and sets off for a quick single. Maharaj is in trouble at the halfway mark but Cummins returns a really wide throw to Carey. That allows Maharaj to make it, bumping into Carey as well in the process.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Again a fuller delivery on middle, David Bedingham pushes it off the front foot to the left of short mid-wicket, where Pat Cummins is quick enough to run across the turf and avoid the single.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, From round the wicket, tossed up ball, on off, David Bedingham prods forward and drives it back to the bowler.

Keshav Maharaj walks in next at number 9, replacing Marco Jansen.

Pat Cummins to Marco Jansen, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! And just like that, one brings two! Cummins cannot hide his glee. This is as soft a dismissal that one can get. On a length, around off, some extra bounce, Marco Jansen just tries to work it towards mid on. But he probably ends up playing a bit early and it results in a leading edge. It goes back to Cummins who slips in his followthrough but luckily for him, he does not lose track. Manages to watch the ball closely and take the return catch, continuing his slide. Looking at the replays, it doesn't seem like a leading edge entirely but the bat face was definitely closed. A 3-ball duck for the man who took 3 wickets and from 126/5, South Africa are 126/7, trailing by 86!

Pat Cummins to Marco Jansen, Another one in the channel, outside off, Jansen pushes but misses.

Pat Cummins to Marco Jansen, On a length, outside off, Marco Jansen looks to defend but the ball pitches and then seams away, beating the outside edge.

Marco Jansen walks in next at number 8, replacing Kyle Verreynne.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, OUT! LBW! A short ball followed by a fuller length angling in delivery on middle leg. Kyle Verreynne is surprised by this change in length, as he is not quick enough to bring his bat down in time. The ball crashes into his front leg and goes towards deep fine leg. A loud appeal follows from Pat Cummins and the umpire was unmoved! Pat Cummins goes for the DRS. Here's the third umpire on screen. Nothing on UltraEdge as the ball goes past the bat. Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. The onfield call will be changed. Kyle Verreynne has to go! Excellent bowling and alertness from Pat Cummins. After the ball went down to deep fine leg, Kyle Verreynne goes to sneak in a leg bye, and collides with Pat Cummins, who falls on the ground. Unfazed by the collision, Cummins immediately consults his teammates and goes for the review, and the review has indeed paid off.

LBW review! Cummins reckons that he has trapped Kyle Verreynne in front as he walked across.  How close is this? Going down the leg side? Here comes Ball Tracking. Three reds!

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Banged in short around off stump line, Kyle Verreynne ducks under it as he lets it go. The effort ball from Pat Cummins, but he just gone too hard while delivering it, as the umpire signals NO BALL! Pat Cummins has overstepped!

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller and in the channel outside off, the ball moved a hint as it went past the stumps on its way to the wicket-keeper. Kyle Verreynne shifts his weight on the front foot and shoulders his arms to that one.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, angling in, on middle, Kyle Verreynne hops on the back foot to work it into the leg side, but the ball is quick enough as it hits his front pad near the thigh guard area.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, outside off, Bedingham works it straight to short mid-wicket.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch short, around off, pushed towrads mid on.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Around off, punched down to long on for a single.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Shorter length off break, turning a bit, David Bedingham makes a bit of room and punches it square of the wicket to the left of short cover. Single taken.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Tossed up on middle and off, David Bedingham drives it back to the bowler.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch fuller, off break on off stump, David Bedingham pushes it back to the bowler.

It will be interesting to see who bowls from this end. Spinner or seamer? Nathan Lyon it shall be. 5-3-2-0 so far. He might have to bowl for the entirety of the second session.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Good bit of fielding there by Josh Hazlewood! This is touch full and on the stumps, angling in, David Bedingham flicks this wide of mid on. Hazlewood moves to his right and dives to intercept the ball. A single taken. South Africa trail by 89 runs.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Bashes the hard length, does Pat, around the fourth stump line. David Bedingham bunts it off the back foot, onto the pitch.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Outside off, touch full, Kyle Verreynne guides the ball through the backward point region for a single. First run of the second session.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Questioning length, around off, Kyle Verreynne looks to stab on the surface but gets an inside edge and the ball rolls to square leg.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Too full and outside off, Kyle Verreynne with a good stride across, drives it straight to cover.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Cummins starts off on the money! Hits the deck hard, just around off. Kyle Verreynne hops on the back foot and keeps it out to the off side.

Everyone is now making his way out to the middle. Pat Cummins will be the one to start things off. Yesterday, it was in the middle session where Australia scored a bulk of their runs. If South Africa can mirror that, they will get into a sizeable lead by Tea itself. Kyle Verreynne to face.

Yes, we can write that! Because the umpires have asked for the covers and the Hover cover to be removed and called the Aussies onto the field. Subsequently the Protea batters follow them. No one is quite sure how long will play last, because a big shower does seem imminent. But Illingworth and Gaffaney have decided to look at the present, rather than the future. Hold play while you can and we can deal with rain later, IF IT COMES. What if the forecast is wrong? How long do we wait?

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

No, the South Africa batters are being asked to go back to the dressing room. Ironically, the sun is now shining brightly at the ground. The Aussies are camped up in their balcony and one side of the ground is engulfed by dark clouds. The problem is the forecast. The umpires are being told that a heavy band of rain is on its way and they might be thinking about precaution in advance.

And we shall have a delayed start. In fact, it has started to drizzle and the umbrellas are up in the stands. London's weather, aye? Players come in, asked tto go out. Drizzle comes, covers come. Within 5 minutes, drizzle goes off, umpires walk out to the middle, without umbrellas. And lo! Bedingham and Verreynne are set to walk out again!

Ahem...not good signs. The broadcast is showing the groundstaff near the pitch, with the hover cover beside. That does indicate that they are prepared for that band of rain to come anytime soon and although it is not raining right now, that band of sunshine before Lunch has vanished pretty quickly. And now, the pitch is covered completely. Just the pitch, not the outfield. The groundstaff will wait on the umpires' instructions to resume play or take a precautionary delay.

There is actually a fair bit of controversy happening around that appeal for handled the ball. People are divided on the same, with one group opining that it never was any such attempt by Bedingham while another group says that it is not about intention, but the rule. The rule states that the ball has to be actually dead, before it can be touched by the batter and if the batter does not wait for the stipulated time, he could be adjudged handled the ball. The fielding side has the right to appeal but at the same time, the result depends on what the umpires feel. In this case, Australia appealed, the umpires took it into consideration but felt that there was nothing much in it. So fair enough. Talk about Carey and Lord's in terms of controversy. In that stumping or run out, whichever way you call it, of Jonny Bairstow, which happened in the 2023 Ashes, that went in Australia's favour, this one has not gone in their favour. Both cases, it was Carey involved.

The deficit is still 91 runs, and the Aussies, though they have bowled well, will need to keep sticking to the discipline they have shown till now. Talking about the pitch, well, it has gotten a touch quicker compared to yesterday, and with the ball getting softer, the second session might be the opportunity for South Africa to capitalize on the good start they have got on Day 2. They have a set David Bedingham at the crease, and the onus will be on him to bat long in this big final. The afternoon session is scheduled to begin at 5.40 pm IST (1210 GMT). However, there is a big band of dark clouds approaching the venue and we hope that they quickly go away and allow us to start the session on time.

It wasn’t the case that Aussies were poor with their lines and lengths, but it was more the case of the Proteas showing the intent to score, something which was missing yesterday. The Aussie pacers in particular, did challenge the bat on many occasions, but Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham showed the pedigree to grind it out and hang in there. The former in particular was the aggressor and was looking good until the intentful batting got the better of him as he drove one on the up against a full ball of Cummins. It was more the case of good catching, as Marnus Labuschagne showed good reflexes, diving to his right and taking a superb catch.

SESSION SUMMARY - 78 Runs, 27 Overs, 1 Wicket. South Africa have showed good intent to score here in the first session on Day 2 as against the last session of Day 1, where they were stuck into a shell. And today, the results are there to see. Not only have they scored at a touch better rate today, but they have also lost just the one wicket in the session.

Game stopped due to : Wet Ground Condition

Game stopped due to : Rain Stoppage

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, FOUR! A good shot to end the first session! Bedingham ends the first session on Day 2 in more or less the same fashion as he had ended the final session on Day 1 - with a boundary. Beau Webster bowls a genuine half volley around off, David Bedingham gets on the front foot and drives it crisply through covers for a boundary. LUNCH ON DAY 2, SOUTH AFRICA 121/5, TRAIL AUSTRALIA BY 91!

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Length, around off, blocked out by David.

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, FOUR! SHOT! Full in length, around off, David Bedingham drives it gun-barrel straight down the ground for a boundary.

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Oh, what happened there? Hard length, jagging back into the batter with some extra bit of bounce. David Bedingham tries to block it off the back foot, but the ball rams on the thigh pad of his back leg and rolls into the pad. Alex Carey comes forward to collect the ball, but Bedingham though, takes the ball out with his hands and gently drops it on the surface. Now here comes the drama. The ball gets locked inside the gap between the pad and the thigh and Carey looks to collect the ball, if it drops out. But it seems to have got stuck and Bedingham himself removes the ball and drops it onto the ground. Now, it sparks a small debate as Bedingham could have actually waited for a while before doing so, or rather just allowed Carey to do the needful. Because he pushed the ball pretty quickly, Carey and Khawaja appealed for handling the ball. The umpires got together with a smile and then ruled it not out. Nothing much of a despair from the Aussies, as everyone is having a hearty smile.

Drama! Are Australia appealing for obstructing the field? Handled the ball, rather! Alex Carey put in a slight appeal and now, Usman Khawaja makes it a bigger one. Umpire Richard Illingworth has a smile on his face and walks across to Chris Gaffaney. A quick chat and it is signalled that Bedingham was not handling the ball.

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Back of a length, angling onto the pads. David Bedingham gets inside the line and tucks this to deep backward square leg for two more runs.

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Hard length, skids through, outside off, David Bedingham fends it to the point region.

Should be the last over before Lunch. Just a minute left on the clock. Australia seem to be in no hurry to bowl right now.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, On a length and outside off, this is pushed to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Nagging length, around off, blocked off the back foot.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, just around off. Kyle Verreynne flicks this wide of mid-wicket and calls for a single. However, Pat Cummins makes a slight fumble in the field as he moves to his right. Just when he is about to stop the ball, it gets an ugly bounce and grazes off Cummins' fingers and rolls to the right, which allows the batters to cross for the second as well.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Not too full, not too short, on the stumps. Kyle Verreynne gets across and taps it to mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, On the stumps, full, Kyle Verreynne punches it to mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, A sharp short ball, on the leg stump, David Bedingham swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

A  bit of a bad news coming from Lord's. A band of really rough weather is blowing towards the ground's direction and might hit Lord's in the next 15-20 minutes or so. May not last long as per the forecast, but we could have a delayed start to the second session. And just as we type that, the sun comes out in full flow to take objection to our claim.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Short of a good length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne gets on the back foot and punches this along the ground, through covers. Nathan Lyon from deep backward point sprints to his right to cut the ball off. The batters take a couple in the meantime.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Full, on off, pushed to mid off.

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Angling on the leg stump, on a good length. David Bedingham hops across and taps this to the mid-wicket region. Travis Head there, dives to the ball's direction to intercept, but just when he is about to cut it off, he gets a bad bounce and ends up parrying it to the square leg region. A single taken.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne crouches a bit and chops this towards the backward point region for a single.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Aimed at the stumps, on a length, around middle, Kyle Verreynne flicks this past mid-wicket for a couple of runs. Uh, oh! Beau Webster has overstepped here and the umpire signals for a No Ball.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, A gentle outswinger, outside off, on a length. Kyle again shows no interest in poking at it.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Good length, fairly outside off. Kyle Verreynne strides forward and leaves.

Just for the record, Webster can bowl both pace and spin. Not quite sure when does he actually decide to do what, but he is trying to be in that mould of the late Andrew Symonds. Presently, under overcast conditions, he is bowling medium pace.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Length, outside off, curving away, David Bedingham cuts it off the back foot to backward point.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Shapes away a shy bit, around off and full in length. David Bedingham defends it out.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Hoff continues to attack the stumps, keeping the length full. David Bedingham blocks it straight.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Fired fuller and on middle, Kyle Verreynne hits this off the inner half of the bat to square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Nipping back into the batter, on a short of a good length. Kyle Verreynne gets across the line to work into the leg side, but is pinned on the front pad.

Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Length ball, with a hint of away shape, around off, Kyle Verreynne gets forward and knocks this to the cover region.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, On middle and leg, turned behind square leg for a run, to bring up the 100 FOR SOUTH AFRICA. They trail by 112.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, EDGED, JUST SHORT! There you go again, not for the first time in this innings. All eyes will be on Alex Carey as unless he makes a move forward, the slips will not move ahead. Beautiful delivery by Hazlewood, on a length around off, angling it in. Kyle Verreynne looks to defend but the ball straightens after pitching, squaring him up. Gets an outside edge which lands well short of first slip. Steve Smith dives to his left from second slip, but it lands short of him as well.

Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Another length ball, outside off, 124 kph, David Bedingham comes forward and punches it to the left of Josh Hazlewood at mid off. The moment he realized it was Hazlewood, Bedingham was off for the single.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, A touch fuller, outside off, width on offer, Kyle Verreynne cuts it in front of square to deep extra cover and takes a single.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Good length on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, On a length on middle, Kyle Verreynne stays back and pushes it to mid on.

Aha! This came out of nowhere. Beau Webster has been given the ball now. Probably Cummins is hoping that Webster does what Markram did on Day 1.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Ahhh... fishing in a dry sea. A length ball, outside off, David tries to force it through the line but misses. Lack of feet movement there.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, The length is pulled back now and Bedingham punches it towards mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, A length ball, pretty straight, around off, David Bedingham defends.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Good length again, on middle and off, David Bedingham plays the push to mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Good length ball on off, David Bedingham punches it gently off the crease, through covers, and picks up two runs.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Length ball on middle, David Bedingham prods forward and defends it back to the bowler.

Yes, on cue. Pat Cummins wants one of the Big Three to have a crack at the new batter when he is relatively new. Back comes Josh Hazlewood. 12-5-21-1 so far.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, A dart, on a length, around off, Kyle stays back and works it to the leg side. Third consecutive maiden for Nathan Lyon.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Tossed up, around off, Verreynne lunges to smother the spin.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Full, around off, Kyle Verreynne stays back this time and works it towards short mid-wicket.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Shorter length, off break, on off, Kyle Verreynne stays back and blocks it right under his eyes.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, A touch full, Kyle Verreynne skips down the track and flicks it but can't find the gap as he plays it straight to short mid-wicket.

Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Tossed up off break, on off, Kyle Verreynne prods forward and defends it off the front foot, back to the bowler.

Yet another interesting question for Pat Cummins. His fast bowlers are tired but with less than 30 minutes to go for Lunch, and a new batter at the crease, does he bring on either of Starc or Hazlewood or stick with Lyon? For now, Lyon continues.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, On a good length, around off, pushed towards mid on.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full and straight, Bedingham looks to work it to the leg side but gets a leading edge down the track.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Landed on a length, outside off, David Bedingham defends it to the off side.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Good length, on middle, David Bedingham flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Back of a length, outside off, David Bedingham drops his hands as he doesn't offer any shot to that ball.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Length ball on middle, Kyle Verreynne cautiously pushes it off the crease to the right of mid on and calls for a single. Single taken.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch short, around off, spinning in, bunted down the wicket. That's three consecutive maidens.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Around off, coming in, nudged towards square leg.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, around off, defended solidly.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Shorter length off break, on off, David Bedingham works it on the bounce to forward short leg.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch shorter in length, off break, just outside off, David Bedingham again defends it off the back foot to mid on.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch fuller, just outside off, David Bedingham rocks back and blocks it right under his eyes.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, On the line of the stumps, full in length. Kyle Verreynne gets across a bit to stab it onto the pitch. A successful over from the Aussie skipper. A wicket maiden.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Good fielding there by Marnus, again! Full and around off, Kyle Verreynne drives it crisply to the cover, but Labuschagne makes a good diving stop to his right.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Bangs the surface hard, on off, Kyle Verreynne punches it off the back foot, straight back to the bowler.

Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Nagging length, on top of middle, blocked off the back foot by Kyle.

Kyle Verreynne walks in next, at number 7, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, OUT! CAUGHT! When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Australia needed something, something special to break this partnership and it has been provided by the bubbly Marnus Labuschagne. A soft dismissal, one might say, for the South African skipper, but it has come because of a smart plan from the Aussies. Since Drinks, Bavuma had faced only 4 balls prior to this one, in the 25 bowled and he might have got frustrated. Pat Cummins hurls it on a fullish length, keeping the line of attack around off. It lands and then nips slightly away from the batter, with possibly some bounce on it as well. Temba Bavuma weighs on the front foot to crack the cover drive, but unfortunately for him, he fails to hit it along the ground and ends up chipping it flat and to the right of cover. Marnus Labuschagne, with sharp eyes and hands, dives to his right and snaffles a superb catch. Temba Bavuma departs for an intent-laden 36 (84) and the Proteas are 94/5, trailing by 118 runs. This morning, Bavuma made 33 (47).

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Straight and full from Patrick, on off, Temba Bavuma responds with a solid front foot block.

Plenty of crowd still filtering in. It is going to be a packed house at least for the first three days. Now, the audience for Saturday will depend on whether the match goes that far. As per Matthew Hayden on air, on Wednesday, the blunt opinion was this match will be over inside 3 days.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Slower through the air, with some extra bounce and turn into the batter, David Bedingham nudges this to the right of the short leg fielder.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Length, on off, spinning in a bit. Blocked off the back foot.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Oh, some extra turn for Lyon! Dishes out a fullish delivery, spinning in from off, David Bedingham gets back and across to work it to the leg side, but gets an inside edge onto the pad. A slight appeal from Smith for LBW, but wanes sooner. He wants it to be reviewed but is informed by the keeper, Alex Carey, that there was bat involved.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Not too full, on middle, David Bedingham stands tall and steers it to square leg.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Drags the length a bit, on off, David Bedingham rocks back and taps it into the leg side.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Tossed up, full and outside off, David Bedingham leans forward and pushes it straight to mid off.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Overpitched on middle. David Bedingham tries to drive it straight, but a thickish inside edge rolls the ball towards the deep backward square leg region. A single taken. South Africa are trailing by 118 runs.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Slants it into the batter, on the leg stump. David Bedingham tries to work it across into the leg side, but is rammed on the front pad.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Whistling! Hard length, skidding through the surface quickly, outside off. David Bedingham goes for the back foot punch, but gets beaten past the outside edge as the ball straightens a bit after landing.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Spears it fuller and angles on middle and leg, David Bedingham brings his bat straight down and pushes it to mid on.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, That in-between length, on off and nipping back in. David Bedingham gets a bit squared up and punches this to mid on.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, On top of off, back of a length, David Bedingham gets right behind it and taps it back to the bowler.

Interestingly Nathan Lyon is operating from the Nursery end, with the slope moving from right to left, for a right-handed batter. He was bowling from round the wicket. So, he is possibly looking for some drift away from the batter, with the assistance of the slope. Starc is off, but it is Pat Cummins who has got himself back on. 11-4-22-1 so far. This is just the first session of the day and in 37 overs of this innings, the Big Three have already bowled 35. It is definitely a good try, aiming to pick up a wicket constantly, but you don't want to tire out yourself in the first session itself. Because then, in the second, you will forced to go only with Lyon and either of Webster or Green.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Nice and full, tossed up around leg, Temba Bavuma takes his front foot out and pushes it gently into the leg side.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Drag downer from Lyon, on the leg stump line. Temba Bavuma hangs back and across to work into the leg side, but misses and is hit on the pad.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, More flight given, full in length, around off and middle. David Bedingham lunges with a huge stride forward and pushes this past mid-wicket for one.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Floated fuller, drifting around the leg stump, David Bedingham flicks this full ball to mid-wicket.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Flat and quick, around off, from around the stumps. David Bedingham punches it off the back foot to the cover region. Sniffs a single, but there is none.

Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, 'Garry', as they call him, starts off with a length ball, goes straight on, outside off. Left alone.

It has gone overcast in the last 15 minutes or so and the conditions are actually conducive for seam bowling. But Pat Cummins resists in bringing Hazlewood back or giving the ball to Beau Webster or Cameron Green. Nathan Lyon gets the ball in his hands. 1-0-1-0 so far. Was very short in his lengths in that only over last evening. He will be in for a long spell today. Wonder who will get the ball from the other end, once Starc is taken off.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, A sharp bumper from Starc, around off. Temba Bavuma blocks it off the splice of the bat, into the off side.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, David Bedingham flicks this wide of mid-wicket and steals a quick run. Bavuma taps the bat at the keeper's end and is ready for the second run, but David Bedingham is ball-watching and senses soon before sending his skipper back.

Loses his runup, does Starc. Comes running in, but at the time of delivering, probably missed out on something and bails out.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Nagging length and David taps this across to the leg side.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, FOUR! Right from the coach's manual! Around off, angling across on a fuller length. David Bedingham presses forward, shows good elbow extension and creams the straight drive for a boundary down the ground.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Starc slants this across off, on a shortish length. David Bedingham rises with the bounce to cut it square, but the ball passes over his angled bat.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Pitching outside leg, on a length. David Bedingham gets inside the line and nudges this to the mid-wicket region.

DRINKS BREAK. 44/0 in 13 overs. That's been the session so far. Of those 44, Temba Bavuma has scored 33. That shows how the skipper is intent on showing HIS intent in taking the attack to the Aussies. It is not like Australia have bowled badly but just a little bit of positivity in the batting can bring about doubts in the bowlers' minds. Last evening, it was like a bowling machine, honing in consistently on a line and length, but this morning, it has been a bit more of an effort, as the bowlers have been trying different things to break the composure of the batters. One thing which might have gone unnoticed is the struggle of Bedingham. His batting seems to be mirroring that of Beau Webster on Day 1, who never looked at ease till he got to 50. However, both batters have shown one quality - fight. It has been South Africa's hour and another one of this quality could get that deficit under 75.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Left alone or beaten? Probably both batter and bowler will have a different opinion about the same. This is an in-between length now, neither full nor short and Temba is caught in his crease. Looks to defend but then tries to take his bat away from the line, as the ball swerves away.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Lovely followup. The length is much fuller, outside off and in this attacking mood, Bavuma instantly goes into the drive. The ball pitches and then moves away, beating the outside edge.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Another short ball, but this one is at a good height. Outside off, Temba Bavuma sways out of harm's way.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, SIX! Oh Hello! Take that! First six of the Test match! Back of a length delivery on off, Temba Bavuma takes it on as he pulls this one over deep square leg for a maximum.

An interesting graphic being shown by the broadcasters. On Day 1, Australia's batters had an attack percentage of 37 and they ended up playing 21 percent False shots. On the other hand, South Africa had an attack percentage of 22 on Day 1 and they ended up playing 32 percent False shots. Today, we are seeing how these two South African batters have shown the intent to score and as a result, have looked a touch comfortable. Not a cliche by any means - but you don't want the same batter to be facing the same bowler for long periods.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Good length ball, on off, Temba Bavuma stays back and blocks it to short cover.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, On a length angling into the right hander, Temba Bavuma defends it to short mid-wicket.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Full and straight, David looks to work it to the leg side but gets squared up. Gets a bit of a leading edge down the track, towards mid off. Sets off for a single but then changes his mind.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Tempted again. Full, outside off, slightly wide, drawing Bedingham into the drive, who falls for it. No feet movement and he nearly edges it behind.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, On a length, around off, angling away, David Bedingham feels for it but misses.

Probably some message has come from the Aussie dressing room. Nathan Lyon is stationed at one of the boundary ropes and he is in conversation with Sam Konstas. It is quite a long chat and at the end of it, one could just see Lyon nodding his head and going forward, probably to pass on the message to his skipper Cummins.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on the leg stump line, Temba Bavuma looks to tickle it fine, but doesn't connect. The ball hits his back leg and rolls down towards deep fine leg. Batters sneak in a leg bye.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Overpitched and given the treatment! That also brings up the FIFTY runs partnership between these two! Full and just outside off, Temba Bavuma drives this crisply through the vacant covers region to pick up the fourth boundary of his innings.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball angling across a bit, in the corridor of uncertainty, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Time for the GOAT? Not yet. But it indeed is a bowling change. Mitchell Starc gets a change of ends. 3-0-19-0 from the other end this morning. Overall, his bowling figures read 10-3-29-2.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Ooohhh... nearly! The trap nearly works for Cummins. After some short stuff, Pat Cummins slips in a fuller length delivery. David is not ready for it as he is camped on the back foot. Comes forward pretty late. Looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. The ball lobs up towards the leg side but Travis Head is far behind at short mid-wicket. Had there been a short leg, it would have been an easy catch.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Another bouncer, outside off, same treatment given by Bedingham. The ball lands and then swerves to the right of the keeper.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Mixing it up, is Cummins. After a series of length and full balls, he digs in a bouncer, around off. David Bedingham ducks under it.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Slightly fuller this time from Pat Cummins, a hint of movement into the right hander, the line is in the channel outside off.  David Bedingham watches it carefully as he shoulders his arms to that ball and lets it go.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Another good-length delivery on off, David Bedingham stays back and plays the push to mid off.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Length ball just outside off, David Bedingham defends it to point.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Action replay of the previous delivery.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, closer to the off stump, this time Bavuma lets it pass.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Up and over! This is Bavuma 2.0! On a length, outside off, out of nowhere, Temba Bavuma leans into the shot and then rises with the bounce. Lofts it with as much finesse as flexibility, over cover and gets his third boundary. The deficit is now 136.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length and just outside off, Temba Bavuma blocks it off the back foot, back to the bowler.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length around off stump line, Temba Bavuma nicely gets forward as he defends this delivery to point.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Good length delivery seaming into the right hander on off, Temba Bavuma prods and guides it off the front foot through the gully region and gets two runs.

One more for Hoff? He has already bowled 4 overs in this spell. Considering that he is coming back from an injury and this might be a long day ahead, Cummins might want to give him short spells. Not quite. It will be 5 on the trot for Hazlewood.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full and straight, now David looks to flick but is early into the shot. Gets a leading edge towards cover.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full, outside off, coming in, Bedingham looks to drive straight but his bat comes down at an angle. As a result, he gets it off the inner half towards mid on.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full and just around off, David Bedingham gets low to defend it towards mid on.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Good-length delivery angled into the right hander on middle, David Bedingham works it to short mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Length ball that angles in a bit and straightens after pitching. The line is just outside off. David Bedingham looks to defend it as he pokes at it. The ball moves away to go past the outside edge of his bat.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length delivery just outside off, Temba Bavuma punches it off the back foot to the right of cover point and takes a single. Nathan Lyon is the fielder at point who has to slide to his right to stop the ball. He does stop the ball but seems to have grazed his elbow on the slide. Calls for some attention from the medical staff but mostly it will be at the end of this over.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, The length is on the stumps, on a good length, angling on the pads, David Bedingham flicks this into the mid-wicket region.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Short ball, around the shoulder height of the batter. Temba Bavuma lifts his front foot up to balance himself and pulls this to deep fine leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Now this stays a tad bit low on the bounce. Outside off, jagging back in, on a good length. Temba Bavuma opts to leave it alone.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Touch full in length, and Bavuma taps this to the point region.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Oh, some more bounce there! Josh hits the hard length, slightly outside off, it nips back in off the deck, getting that extra lift as well. Temba Bavuma shoulders arms to that one.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, on off, patted off the front foot by Bavuma to the cover region.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, BEATEN! A pearl of a delivery from Cummins! Keeps it into the corridor of uncertainty, does the skipper, on a nagging length, inviting the batter to have a crack at it. David Bedingham leans into the ball to check his shot, but gets beaten past the outside edge as the ball nips away.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Hits the deck hard, at 135 kph, just outside off. David Bedingham gets on the back foot to block it off, but gets a thick inside edge and the ball rolls to the square leg region.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Around off, on a good length, blocked off the front foot by David.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, This gets some extra lift off the deck, outside off, David Bedingham gets on the back foot and knocks it to the off side.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Nagging length, in the vicinity of the off pole, Temba Bavuma rises with the bounce and opens the bat face to guide it to the point region. A quick single milked.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Starts off with a length ball, nipping back into the batter, Temba Bavuma punches it off the back foot onto the surface.

It is interesting to see the body language of the Aussies this morning. There has been a sharp contrast to what it was last evening, where they were up and bouncing because of the wickets falling. However, this morning, although it has been just 6 overs, the body language seems down already. Aha... it was Nathan Lyon who was being substituted by Josh Inglis. Lyon is back on the field and there is a bowling change as well. Skipper Pat Cummins brings himself on. 7-3-14-1 so far. He replaces Mitchell Starc, who has a contrasting couple of sessions. 7-3-10-2 on Day 1 and already, 3-0-19-0 this morning.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Keeps the line on the leg stumps, on a good length. Temba Bavuma tries to steer it away to the leg side, but misses to lay any bat on it. The ball rolls off his thigh pad, to the mid-wicket region and they get a leg bye.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, An inward shape on that, full in length, Temba Bavuma pushes this to mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length delivery, just around off, Temba Bavuma plays at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Nice joke. Ian Smith on air is surprised that Bavuma did not review the decision immediately. Logically, a batter should be knowing when there is that big a deflection. However, in response, Graeme Smith says that he is not surprised as in South Africa's last game of the WTC cyle, which they needed to win to qualify for the final, Bavuma nicked one behind and walked off, only for UltraEdge later to show that he did not edge it at all! In short, Smith says he will not trust Bavuma the batter in terms of reviews.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, LBW decision reversed! Well, that actually comes as a surprise, not from technology, but from the batter. Josh Hazlewood bowls it on the line of the stumps, keeping the length fuller and angling it further into the batter. Temba Bavuma prods half forward to push it straight, but the ball passes close to the bat and hits his back pad. A loud confident appeal for LBW from the Aussies, in unison and the umpire instantly raises his finger. Now, here comes the surprise. There is no immediate review from Bavuma, who initially looks as to where he got hit and then walks to his partner for a brief talk. And then, he opts to challenge the onfield decision. By the looks of it, Bavuma looked quite unsure to take the review. Okay, the UltraEdge does show that there is a spike, in fact, a sharp one as the ball passes next to the bat. NOT OUT! A loud roar erupts in the stands and Josh Hazlewood gives a smirk on seeing that spike. Bizarre that Bavuma did not realize that he hit it!

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Aims the stumps now, on a fullish length. Temba Bavuma respects it and blocks it off.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Hard length, outside off, nibbling away, Temba Bavuma plays it very late and dabs it to the slip region. It goes more off the outside edge of the bat, and Steve Smith dives to his right and collects the ball on the bounce at second slip.

Josh Inglis is on the field now. Not sure for whom.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Responds with a sharp bumper now, which Bedingham decides to dodge. 7 runs off this over then.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, FOUR! Beautiful placement! Starc bowls it on the leg stump line, on a fuller length. David Bedingham flicks this through the gap between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary. That seems to be a definite tactic. Starc is almost trying to trap Bedingham into falling over while playing his flick shot, because that back leg is definitely opening up. One mistake in timing and it could either be an LBW or result in him getting squared up.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Short and over the top of the stumps, Temba Bavuma swivels and pulls it to deep fine leg for another run.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Shortens the length, does Starc, on the body, David Bedingham pulls this to deep backward square leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Goes over the stumps now, and gets a hint of inswing on a fullish length, around off and middle. David Bedingham gets on the front foot to push it on the off side, but gets it off the inside half of the bat as the ball rolls off his front pad into the off side.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Around the stumps, sprints Starc, and lands it on off, on a good length. Temba Bavuma punches this on the up and gets it through cover for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Tap and run! Josh bowls it fuller and on off, Temba Bavuma gets on the front foot and plays it with soft hands. Taps the ball in front of cover and calls his partner through for a quick single. South Africa now trail by 153 runs.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Hard length, angling onto the pads, David Bedingham gets a bit across and steers it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, A bit fullish around off, driven by David to the left of mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Touch fuller from Hoff, aimed at the sticks, David Bedingham prods and pushes this to the mid on region.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Nagging length, on top of off, bunted onto the surface by David.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Hits the deck hard, outside off, on a length, David Bedingham plays the conventional backfoot punch and hits it through cover. Marnus Labuschagne charges towards the ball from the inner ring and cuts it off with a dive. His knee gets plugged onto the turf, but he keeps the batters down to a couple of runs.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Fuller length, hint of inswing, Temba looks to flick but gets a thick inside edge onto his boot. Nearly yorks himself. Frustration early in the day for the Aussies as Mitchell Starc has some piece of advice for the SA skipper. 10 from the over, just the start South Africa would have wanted for the day. They trail by 157 now.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Change of angle but no change in the result for Starc vs Bavuma! Starc comes from around the wicket and lands it on a length, wide outside off. Temba Bavuma accepts the invitation and lofts it over cover, for the second boundary of the over!

Field change because of that single. Nathan Lyon, who was at deep backward point, is called into cover. So Patrick has already started to work his mind over.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Another good run and this will make Australia think. Last night, the batters were purely intent on staying at the crease and keeping balls out. This morning, they are looking to get the scoreboard moving. Around off, angling away, Bedingham pushes it wide of mid off and takes a quick run.

Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Full and wide outside off, slanting away, David Bedingham looks to steer it behind point or gully but misses.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good running to bring up the 50 FOR SOUTH AFRICA. They trail by 162 now. On a length, around middle and off, Bavuma stays back and drops the ball near his feet on the off side and quickly calls his partner through for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Aha! There comes the aggression and positive intent! Full and wide outside off, Temba Bavuma leans into the shot and lofts it cleanly over cover for the first boundary of the day!

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, On a length, just outside off, David Bedingham is unsure whether to play or leave. In the end, has a poke and misses.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, On a good length, around off, pushed to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Similar ball, once again this jags back in and catches David in the crease. Only this time, he looked to defend but missed. Got hit on the thighs again. Just 10 balls into the day, but it just seems like the pitch has quickened up slightly as compared to yesterday.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Was that an edge? Josh Hazlewood looks as bemused as us. This one landed on a length outside off and nipped back in sharply. Bedingham looked to work it to the leg side but was beaten by the late movement. The ball went off something and landed in front of first slip. It seemed to have hit the back thigh and for a second, Hazlewood thought it worth to have a discussion with his mates regarding the review. Probably then he realized that it is not wise to burn a review so early in the day. That would have gone a metre above the stumps.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Good length, around off, blocked on the front foot.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, On a length, around off, David Bedingham defends.

Will it be Hazlewood or Cummins from this end? The former. 7-3-10-1 for Josh Hazlewood.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, A misfield to start South Africa's day with the bat. And a bit of aggression shown in the running as well. Overpitched, wide outside off, Temba Bavuma leans and drives it to the left of mid off. Marnus Labuschagne gets across to his left and looks to slide and stop but misses the ball. It hits his left leg and deflects further away. The batters take the single and on the misfield, take the second.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, slanting away, the skipper shoulders arms.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, The length is held back, around middle and off, TB defends it down the track.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, once again Temba reaches out for the delivery but this time, meets the ball properly and pushes it towards point.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Ahhh... the cross seamer this time. Full again, but this time the line is wider outside off. Bavuma is tempted to go into the cover drive. Goes hard into the shot and misses.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Fuller length to start. It is around off and Temba Bavuma looks to drive straight. But the ball swings in late and as a result, takes the inside edge back down the pitch.

Conditions, conditions, conditions! A bright and sunny morning welcomes everyone at Lord's, although just as we type that, some murky clouds are taking over. But the forecast for the day is pretty good and we hope that there is no interruption. Pakistan legend, SANA MIR, recently inducted in the ICC Hall Of Fame, rings the bell at Lord's, to signal for play to resume. The Aussies get into a huddle while the overnight batters - Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham - stride out to the middle. It was a bowling day on Wednesday. Will it be a batting day on Thursday? Mitchell Starc to start off proceedings to the Protea skipper. Here we go...

PITCH REPORT - Mel Jones and Graeme Smith are inspecting the Lord's deck. Mel begins by telling how the weather is sunny compared to the gloomy climate on Day 1. She also mentions that the weather is likely to stay good for the second day. She adds that 253 runs were scored and 14 wickets were taken on the opening day,  (actually it was 255) and one reason for that was the number of Top 10 ICC bowlers featuring in this game who made things happen. Smith chimes in and says there has been some high quality bowling given the kind of bowlers both teams possess. He says that this surface today looks drier, and the pronounced Dukes ball sits in and does something. He mentions that in such conditions, mindset is the key, and tells how Steve Smith played with a positive mindset and took the attack to the bowlers. Smith tells that Nathan Lyon is a key bowler in the Aussie attack as he helps in holding the game together, and that allows the Aussie pacers to operate with full fire.

South Africa are 169 runs in deficit, and this Bavuma-Bedingham duo holds the key to whether they sink or swim. The opening hour of the opening session holds immense importance. Get through unscathed, and suddenly this game looks different. Australia smell blood, looking to clean up the tail and see themselves in a commanding position. But if South Africa can string together some meaningful partnerships, that 169-run gap could shrink faster than you think. The good thing from a Protea point of view is that in the past few years, irrespective of how their top order has fared, their middle order has stood up more often than not. So once again, that middle order will be expected to bail its side out of trouble. Classic Test cricket really as one good session can completely change the complexion of the match. Time to see who handles the big moments better in this ultimate Test.

Right now, Australia are sitting pretty with a handy lead, and the way their bowlers finished off Wednesday suggests that they’ve got their tails up. South Africa probably went to bed kicking themselves. They had Australia on the ropes early, but couldn’t land the knockout punch when it mattered most. The pitch is still doing enough to keep batters on their toes, and with rain lurking around Friday, every session becomes gold dust. It’s like playing a video game where the difficulty level keeps increasing - batting was tough yesterday, and it’s only going to get trickier as this Lord’s surface wears down.

There’s a reason Steve Smith sits among cricket’s elite Fab Four. With wickets tumbling around him and the pressure mounting, Smith did what legends do - he dug in and played the kind of innings that separates great players from good ones. Webster then chipped in with a crucial 72, which actually ended up being punchy as initially, he was struggling to put bat on ball. But that's what cricket is all about - Webster rode his luck early on and then, post Lunch, just got into attack mode. Together, these two showed that even on a day when the bowlers were running riot, smart batting could still turn the tide.

Day 1 was pure chaos, to be very fair. The kind where you’re glued to your seat one minute and pacing around the room the next. Fourteen wickets tumbled, and honestly, batting looked about as comfortable as sitting on a cactus. Rabada’s five-for and Jansen’s three-wicket haul dented the Australian batting to 212. The Aussies, known for their spirited resolve, weren’t ready to just accept their fate as it is. Their pace Holy trinity of Cummins, Starc and Hazlewood, rolled up their sleeves and dished out some proper chin music in return. By the end of it all, the fast bowlers from both sides had claimed 12 wickets between them.

The mace is calling, and only one team can answer! We’re smack dab in the middle of cricketing chaos at Lord’s as Australia and South Africa duke it out for the World Test Championship crown. Day 2 is here, and both teams have their sleeves rolled up, ready to fight again - no prisoners, no mercy, just good old-fashioned competitive Test cricket where anything can happen. So, whether you’re sneaking peeks at work or have cleared your entire day, you’re in for a treat because Test cricket doesn’t get much better than this. On that note, hello and welcome again to our coverage of this Grand Finale.

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

Hmmm... not sure the bowlers would agree to Webster's comments, aye? Still get the feeling that Australia are still 30-40 runs short and that collapse post Tea on Day 1 could end up haunting them. In fact, if we look at the final session alone, this is how it reads - 9/65 in 28.4 overs! There is still some movement on this pitch but it should lessen down as Day 2 settles in. South Africa have some batting to come but they just need to get some partnerships going, just like Australia did, from 67/4. Going by Stuart Broad's opinion, this pitch could get very difficult to bat come Day 4 as there would be plenty of turn and hence, the first innings lead could be very crucial. If the Proteas manage to bat for two sessions or more on Thursday, they will either make this a one-inning shootout or get ahead of the Aussies. It was all seamers on Day 1, but will the GOAT find something to chew come Thursday? The first ball on Day 2 will be bowled on 12th June, 2025, at 3 pm IST (9.30 am GMT) but our buildup will begin well in advance. Join us early then. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

BEAU WEBSTER, the top scorer for Australia in their first innings, is down for a chat. He starts by saying that he had a bit of luck in the first 20-30 balls, but managed to get through that period and they now have a score on the board. Mentions that he has played a bit of county cricket here but that's different and with Rabada and Jansen, it is different and hence, he tried to make a few adjustments. Adds that there's still a fair bit in the surface and for a while, Starc had the ball on a string and the others bowled well too. Reckons that they have had a solid bowling attack for years now and they knew if they faltered with the bat, they could still do the job with the ball.

It will be an understatement to say that South Africa will be disappointed with the way they have ended the day. They would have had around 25-26 overs to face and would have aimed to lose 1 or maximum 2 wickets by close of play. This is where there is a thin line of difference between being defensive and negative. The Proteas were correct in not wanting to take risks but they ended up in just shutting the door for even scoring runs. Against quality bowlers, especially against The Big Three, there might be a ball sooner or later which has your name on it and hence, it is important that you keep the scoreboard ticking. Not necessarily in boundaries but by rotating the strike. Mulder and Rickelton started that initially but soon went into a shell, allowing the Aussie bowlers to settle into a rhythm.

Australia would be fairly happy with their efforts. They have picked up 4 wickets but have crucially removed one experienced player in Aiden Markram. The other experienced batter in front of them would be Temba Bavuma, but now, that middle and lower middle order, although possesses names with good batting telent, certainly faces a question of inexperience. Mitchell Starc was on the money from the word go and bowled a marathon 7-over spell, where he could have easily got more than 2 wickets. Hazlewood and Cummins showed why they are called as The Big Three, putting a coin in the area between full and good, consistently hammering that area time and again. Each of The Big Three bowled 7 overs apiece with each striking at least once.

How critical could that drop of Wiaan Mulder be? He was on 1 and South Africa were in the 5th over, with the score reading 8/1. Mulder nicked one off behind, off Mitchell Starc, in his third over, but keeper Alex Carey shelled a fairly simple catch. Now, Mulder added only 5 more runs, but just imagine - Starc taking 2 wickets in his first 3 overs - could have become a repeat of the opening day of the 2005 Ashes Test where Glenn McGrath went on a rampage at Lord's. However, as fate would have it, Mulder and Rickelton saw off the shine of the new ball, albeit not scoring much and potentially wearing off the threat from the big Three.

What a day of Test cricket. Fittingly worth to be played in a final. 14 wickets have fallen in 78.4 overs, for 255 runs. It has been a day where ball has dominated the bat with South Africa striking early while Australia fought back towards the end of the day.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, FOUR MORE! When you are in London, how can you avoid talking about the London buses? You wait for one for a long time and then suddenly, two come in quick succession. This is more of that sort. Given how the day has panned out, two anti-climatic balls from Cummins to end the day. A half volley, on middle and leg, David Bedingham flicks it through mid-wicket and ends the day with a boundary. STUMPS ON DAY 1, SOUTH AFRICA 43/4, TRAIL AUSTRALIA BY 169!

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, FOUR! ELEGANT! But cannot blame Cummins here. He goes for the glory ball, a yorker or an inswinger, but misses his length and dishes out a full toss. A watchful Bedingham pushes it back down the ground through mid on and gets off the mark with a boundary.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Ooohhh... full and straight, David Bedingham looks to play across the line and gets a leading edge. Lands short of short cover.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Goes a bit fuller and wider of the off stump line, gets it to shape further away, Bedingham leaves it alone.

Oops.. what happened there? Pat Cummins comes running in but then has to bail out. The camera than pans onto the stumps at the bowling end, which shows a bail on the ground. Did Cummins knock the stumps with his hand or foot and bail out, to avoid the no ball?  Nope. The replay shows the bail falling on its own, well before Patrick could even reach the bowling crease.

Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Hard length, in and around off, David Bedingham stays back and tentatively pushes it out into the off side.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Temba Bavuma gets away with one here! Cummins bangs it in on a shortish length towards the body, Bavuma looks to flick but gets squared up and gets a leading edge that goes through the vacant cover-point region. The batters pick up a single and look for the second but turn back. The throw at the keeper's end is a wayward one and Marnus Labuschagne does really well to save what could have been four overthrows.

The slope from the Pavilion End has done it again. The slope moves from left to right and Hazlewood used it to good effect on the wicket delivery to Stubbs, as he bowled a nip backer that sharply seamed into the right hander and sneaked through the bat-pad gap of Tristan Stubbs to crash into the sticks. Should be the last over of the day. But it is not Lyon. It is Captain Courageous, Pat Cummins, who will bowl the final over of Day 1. 6-3-5-1 so far.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, On a length, around off, cutting back in, defended down the track. A wicket maiden for Hazlewood, whose bowling figures read 7-3-10-1.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, A bumper, outside off, Bedingham pulls his bat out of the way, though it still dangles around like a periscope.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Full and just outside off, David Bedingham gets half a stride forward to defend.

Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, FOUR LEG BYES! More than half an appeal for LBW but it is turned down. Length ball on middle, slanting in and up the slope. David Bedingham with a slight shuffle to the off and he misses the flick. The ball ends up hitting the outside of the thigh pad and ends up rolling into the fine leg fence. It is not reviewed and rightly so, as Ball Tracking later on shows that the ball would have missed leg stump.

This could be close! Will Australia take the review? 'No, skip', says Carey, regarding the review.

Surely, a nightwatchman now? Nope. David Bedingham strides out at number 6, replacing Tristan Stubbs as South Africa assert their confidence in their batters, not wanting to shield them or anything. Speaks volumes about the mental fortitude of the management and the players.

Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! TIMBER! Just as Kevin Pietersen was about to answer Nasser Hussain's question on the strengths and weaknesses of Tristan Stubbs on-air, Josh Hazlewood sends him back to the pavilion. That is a lovely delivery from 'The Hoff.' Bowled on a three-quarter length and just around off, the ball angles in a touch, just enough to beat what looked like a perfect front-foot defense from Stubbs. The ball ends up hitting off and middle and Stubbs can't do anything but think that it is too good a ball.

Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Hard length, pitching it around the fifth stump line and gets some gentle outswing. Stubbs shoulders arms.

Not the type of over Lyon would have been hoping to bowl. With around 10 minutes to go for Stumps, he is going to bowl 3 or 4 overs at the most and he was mostly short in length in that over. Might be rustiness but this is where both, Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram did not give any let off to the Aussies. Were right on the money from the word go.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Shortish, outside off, punched towards short mid-wicket.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Slightly fuller, outside off, but Bavuma is happy to block it from his crease.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, A touch short, outside off, spinning in, Temba Bavuma gets right behind the line to defend.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Looking for a bit more overspin on that one, slightly full and dropping it onto off and middle, blocked off.

Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up again, outside off and on a length. This one turns back in but Bavuma watchfully keeps it out.

Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Starts off with a tossed-up delivery, pretty full and on off, Tristan Stubbs leans on and strokes it through mid on for a single.

Spin time. Here comes the GOAT - Nathan Lyon. With the pitch slowing down, will Lyon be able to get turn in the dying moments of the day?

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, The Lord's roars again as Temba Bavuma gets off the mark on his 31st delivery! Patience is virtue. They have waited and waited for him to get off the mark and have eventually got the chance to cheer. Around middle, a bit too straight, Temba tucks it behind square leg and rushes back for the second.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On midde and off, Bavuma looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket, where Travis Head is stationed. Hint of swing again.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Fine shot. For nothing. Full and straight, Temba Bavuma drives it straight back to where it came from. But there is not much timing and Pat Cummins slides across to his left from mid on to cut it off.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, BEAUTY! A smidge fuller, similar to the last one. This is angled in towards the stumps, but it pitches and nips away sharply. Bavuma looks to block down the line but the ball whizzes past the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, A hint of swing there! On the fuller side, angled into off but this one nips away, Temba Bavuma gets half a stride in and blocks it off.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, over off, Bavuma taps it down towards cover.

Nasser Hussain on air made a great point in the 1st innings, about how bowling from the Pavilion End with the slope flowing from left to right might just make it difficult for the ball to carry towards the slip cordon when right-handers are batting. With two right-handers at the crease, possibly the Aussies can think of getting the slip cordon just half a step ahead for bowlers operating from the Pavilion End.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Outside off, pushed towards point. 8th maiden in 18 overs.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Full, around off, defended back to the bowler.

Just for the record, we are into extended time. Play can go on till 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT). We are still around 13 overs away from making it 90 for the day. So by this pace, we could end up being roughly 9-10 overs short at Stumps.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Edged, does not carry again! Another instance of the pitch slowing down. Around off, Stubbs goes fishing and gets a thick outside edge. Lands short of Beau Webster at third slip.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Good-length delivery, wide outside off and swinging away a bit, left alone by Stubbs.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Cummins hurls this one on a hard length around off and angles it in, Stubbs stays back and jams this one out onto the deck.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller in length and around off, Tristan Stubbs gets well forward and solidly blocks it off.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, This time, Temba gets his feet right to the pitch of the ball and pushes it straight to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, on a length, Bavuma looks to drive but gets beaten.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full and wide outside off, left alone.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Hard length again, in and around off, Temba Bavuma is late to get his bat down but manages to keep it down. Bavuma needs to find a way and get a move on here.

Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Bowled into the deck this time, over the top of off and angled in, Tristan Stubbs hops back and tucks it down to fine leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Bowled on a good length and in the channel, this one slides straight on and Stubbs shoulders his arms.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, EDGED, FALLS SHORT! That's now two in the last 15 minutes. Guess it is time that Alex Carey realizes that the pitch is dying down and he needs to move forward. Only then will the other slip fielders follow suit. On a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma looks to defend but the ball moves away late and takes the outside edge. However, it lands just in front of Usman Khawaja at first slip.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, On middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs looks to work it away but misses and is hit on the thigh pad. Takes the single off the deflection. Leg bye signalled.

Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Full, around off, pushed towards mid on.

Nightwatchman time? Not yet. Tristan Stubbs is happy to take the bull by the horns as he walks out next at number 5, replacing Wiaan Mulder.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, OUT! BOWLED! A beauty from Cummins runs out Mulder's luck! Cummins targets the stumps and lands it on a length, around off. It comes back in sharply and Wiaan Mulder is late in getting his bat down. The ball goes through bat and pad and hits the timber! The bails fly off and Cummins sets off on a celebratory run. The Aussies would have aimed to take 3-4 wickets by Stumps and they have got 3 now. After getting off the mark on the first ball, Mulder departs for 6 (44). South Africa are 25/3 and trail Australia by 187! Oh yes, for those who understand the jinx of 87, 187 etccc. the current lead has struck for Australia.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Full, on off, Wiaan Mulder looks to defend but the ball nips back in, takes the inner half of the bat and scoots through square leg. Two runs taken.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full, just around off, well defended.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed wide outside off, let through.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, pushed towards point.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length, around off, coming in, Bavuma shoulders arms and the ball hits his back thigh, going over the stumps to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length, around off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length, well outside off, Bavuma keeps his bat inside the line.

As expected, Josh Hazlewood to bowl till the end of the day. 3-1-7-0 so far.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, outside off, WM looks to play and then tries to withdraw, but is late and gets beaten.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Full on middle, a real gift, Wiaan flicks it away but finds square leg. Cummins is lucky to get away with that.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Wide outside off, coming in, left alone.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Another edge, but this one goes wide of gully, as Mulder presses to defend, This one went all along the ground. Two runs taken.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, EDGED, SHORT! Wiaan Mulder might just equate his luck to that of Beau Webster earlier in the day. Plays and misses, missed LBW review for Webster and still he scored a half century. Now, Mulder, dropped once, innumerable plays and misses and now, an edge not carrying. On a length, around off, Mulder pokes at it and gets an outside edge. But with the pitch getting slower, the balls are not quite carrying behind in this innings. Lands well in front of Steve Smith at second slip.

There is something about bowling from the Nursery End today. Starc has bowled all his 7 overs from that End and has picked up two wickets in 7 overs. Earlier in the day Rabada bowled all his overs from the Nursery End and picked up a 5-fer. Normally, at Lord's, the slope at the Nursery End assists the seamers where the ball just about appears to move late.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Landed outside off, on a length, left alone.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Around off, driven solidly towards wide mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, The crowd roars! A single for Mulder after 34 balls! Remember, he got off the mark on the very first ball he faced and has had to wait for more than half an hour to score his second! Not to mention, got a gift from Alex Carey in between as well. Full, outside off, Mulder pushes it towards cover and takes the single. Brings out a wide smile in response to the cheers.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, On a good length, around off, angling away, Wiaan keeps his bat well inside the line.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Action replay of the previous delivery.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, outside off, angling away, Mulder pushes but misses.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Full, outside off, Wiaan Mulder leans and drives it crisply but straight to mid off.

Will Starc bowl one more? Seems unlikely, with around three-quarters of an hour left for Stumps. He is bowling. He is in rhythm and Cummins wants to bowl him out in one single spell. So we might see Hazlewood before Stumps.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Landed around off, the skipper defends.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, a touch wider than the previous one, Temba shoulders arms.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, around off, Bavuma gets a good stride forward to push it towards mid off.

Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, moving away, Temba Bavuma pushes but misses.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Is that a run? It is a run but not off the bat! Wiaan Mulder got off the mark on the first ball he faced. 30 balls later, he is still on 1! On a length, down the leg side, Mulder looked to tuck it fine but missed. The ball went off the hips towards fine leg and a leg bye is signalled.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, outside off, Wiaan Mulder shoulders arms.

Drinks break! A thoroughly entertaining final session thus far on Day 1 of the WTC Final. Two top Test teams battling it out at the home of cricket. South Africa's first innings has been quite similar to their counterparts and just like Kagiso Rabada stepped up in a big game, Mitchell Starc has done the same for the Aussies. The Proteas have lost both their openers and need their skipper to bail them out. However, with 45 minutes or so still remaining, Australia will be gunning for at least a couple of more wickets. Let's find out which team ends Day 1 in front.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Full and angled across off, Bavuma squeezes it away towards point.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, This one goes the other way! Realtively full and on middle, the ball swings across the right-hander now and Bavuma is beaten all ends up.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Oh, that was some delivery but the appeal for LBW is turned down by the umpire. Mitchell Starc goes full and quick and gets the ball to swing back in sharply. Temba Bavuma looks to flick it away but ends up playing all around it and misses. The ball thuds into the pads and the bowler, skipper and keeper have a discussion. No review taken, maybe swinging down leg.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length again, this time around leg, Temba Bavuma clips it towards the square leg fielder.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good length again and outside off, going straight on, left alone by Bavuma.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good length, pitching well outside off and angling away, Bavuma plays well inside the line.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Maiden! Looking for the glory ball that swings across from the leg stump but this one simply angles down leg. Another good take from Alex Carey behind the stumps.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, This is great rhythm from Cummins right now. Full and around off, angling in, but straightens after pitching and Wiaan Mulder is beaten again past the outside edge.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Pitched-up delivery around off, punched on the front foot but straight to covers.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball around off, this one goes on with the angle and down leg. Good take from the keeper diving to his left.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Beaten again! Hurls this one in on a hard length and pitches it outside off, gets the ball to just straighten again. Mulder looks to block but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Top delivery! Bowls it very full and just around off, looking to swing it away but the ball holds its line. Wiaan Mulder gets pushed back and tries to defend down the line but is well beaten.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length again, but this one is darted well outside the off stump. Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.

Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On the money! Good length, jammed in on middle, and just shaping back in, Bavuma blocks it off.

The Protea skipper, Temba Bavuma, is in next.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Mitchell Starc does it again and Ryan Rickelton, who looked fairly settled, has to walk back. Starc bowls a quick fuller delivery in the channel outside off and gets the ball to swing away again. Rickelton goes hard at the cover drive and ends up getting a big outside edge. The ball flies past the keeper but Usman Khawaja shows great reflexes and pouches it brilliantly to his right. Rickelton departs for 16 (23) and South Africa are 19/2!

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, On the fuller side and around off, at 140 kph and shaping away, Rickelton makes a well-watched leave.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Good comeback from Mitch! Goes full and outside off, shaping it away from the left-hander. Rickelton is drawn into the drive but is well beaten.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Exquisite from Ryan Rickelton. Just marginally short and outside off, Rickelton presses back and lets the ball come on before extending his arms a bit and pushing it through the gap at square covers for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Oh, that is nicely bowled! Just full of a good length and in the channel outside off, this one threatens to swing but straightens down the line. Mulder leans on to block but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Slips one full and just down the leg side, Mulder looks to clip it away but doesn't get anything on it.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length, pitching on off and darting back in, defended from the crease and towards mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Pitches this one up around off and looks to slide one through the gate but Wiaan Mulder solidly blocks it off.

Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Hits the hard length now, angling it into the batter, Mulder stays back to defend.

Pat Cummins to Ryan Rickelton, Good-length delivery around the fourth stump line, Rickelton plays on the front foot and with soft hands, pushing it through the gap at covers for a single.

Pat Cummins brings himself into the attack now, replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Maiden over from Starc! Pushes this one full and wide, looking for the big inswinger but the ball swings a bit too late. Left alone by Mulder.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Hard length, on a tight line around off, Wiaan Mulder lets the ball come back in before blocking it onto the off side.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, A sharp bumper now, good change-up from Starc. This is bowled over leg and at a brisk pace as well, but Mulder is able to duck under it.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball, well outside off, left alone by Mulder.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length on off and middle, Mulder sees it late but manages to dead-bat it from the crease.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Dug in on a length and darted well across off, Mulder brings his blade close to the body and plays well inside the line.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Lovely shot! Not all that full and on off, Rickelton lunges and punches it on the up, and the ball just rolls away to the left of mid off and into the fence.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, This is bowled full and angled down leg, Rickelton misses the flick and gets it of the pads. Alex Carey dives to his right and gets a glove on it. The ball rolls to fine leg and they pick up a couple of leg byes.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Pitches it a bit further up and just outside off, Rickelton shoulders arms as the ball shoots off the deck and goes through nicely to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, And again! Seemed like an action replay of the previous ball. Slightly full and pushed across off and middle, Rickelton plays inside the line.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, A bit full and on middle, shaping away, Rickelton looks to play with a straight bat but the ball goes past the outside edge.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Good length on off, slanting across, Rickelton stays on the front foot and taps it in front of covers.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Full and swinging it back in towards off and middle, Mulder jams the ball back towards the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball in the channel, tight around off stump, left alone by Mulder.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, EDGED AND TAKEN? No, Alex Carey has spilled that one! A very full ball from Mitchell Starc, darted just across off and inviting the drive. Wiaan Mulder obliges and goes for the cover drive but gets a big outside edge that goes just to the right of the keeper. Carey moves to his right and shells a relatively simple chance and Mulder gets a life.

Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Oh, extra bounce! Hard-length delivery, pushed across the right-hander, Wiaan Mulder has a poke at it but is beaten by the away movement and the extra bounce.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Shorter in length, angled in, Rickelton tucks it off the hips down to long leg and picks up a run.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Fires one in at 142 kph, full and on middle and leg, this one starts to shape away as Rickelton manages to block it off.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, BEAUTY! Perfect length, just around off, threatens to swing in, but straightens and zips past the outside edge. Maiden!

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Nicely bowled! Length ball, in the channel, gently swinging away. Mulder plays well inside the line of the ball.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length now, in the channel, Mulder looks to get forward and drive but ends up getting an inside edge onto the pads.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Too high! Hammers in on that three-quarter length and gets the ball to dart back in. Mulder plays all around it and gets hit high on the thigh pad.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Pitches this one right up on the off stump line, Wiaan Mulder gets forward nicely and blocks it off.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a hard length, around off, angling in with some extra bounce, Mulder leaves it alone.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Similar ball, similar movement. This time RR shoulders arms.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Late movement. Full, outside off, Ryan looks to steer it through the off side but the ball swings away late, beating the outside edge.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to steer it past gully but hits it straight to the fielder.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Good length around off, played on the up but straight to covers.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! That is a glorious shot! Not overpitched, but relatively full and on off, Rickelton leans on and shows the full face of the bat, punching it sweetly to the right of the bowler and the ball rolls away into the long off fence.

Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length and pushed towards middle and leg, Rickelton tucks it away to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, outside off, nipping back in, Wiaan Mulder looks to defend but is beaten. The ball clips the pad on its way to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Sneaky run. South Africa doing well to avoid dot balls. You don't want too many balls to be faced by one batter as a batting team. Something which surprisingly, Australia did not realize in their innings. Usually, they are the ones to rotate the strike most often. This one is on a length around off, angling away. Rickelton pushes at it without moving his feet and gets a thick inside edge, which just misses the stumps! Goes towards the leg gully position and Mulder does well to quickly call him through for a single. The keeper, Alex Carey, gets to the ball and has an underarm shy at the striker's end, hitting the stumps as well, but Mulder is well in.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Full, around off, hint of inward movement, Ryan Rickelton looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Mulder gets off the mark as well! Hard length around the top of off, this one holds its line, Mulder tentatively pushes at it and gets it in front of covers before scampering through for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Ryan Rickelton and South Africa are underway! Back of a length around off, Rickelton presses back and pushes the ball down in front of mid off before hustling through for the single.

Seems like something has happened to the Dukes ball. Hazlewood tosses it up to the umpires, claiming some damage. The umpires have a look at the cherry but deem it fine to continue.

Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Josh hits his stride right away! Serves it on that three-quarter length on off and angles it across, Ryan Rickelton solidly defends it off the front foot.

Wiaan Mulder walks in next at number 3, replacing Aiden Markram. Josh Hazlewood to share the new ball with Starc.

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, OUT! BOWLED! Aiden Markram drags one on and Mitchell Starc strikes in his first over! On a length, outside off, Markram looks to play it through the line, aiming to punch the ball through the covers but the ball lands and nips back in. Takes the inside edge and clatters the stumps! The second innings begins with a wicket maiden!

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Fuller, around off, blocked out.

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Landed around off, coming in, watchfully defended.

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Good length, in the channel and angling away, Aiden Markram lets this one through to the keeper as well.

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Swing this time! Fuller and in the channel around off, this one really darts across the batter as Markram makes yet another leave.

Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, On the money to begin with! Starc comes from over the wicket and serves it a bit full on off, getting the ball to naturally move away from the right-hander. Aiden Markram watches it well and shoulders arms.

The players are back on the field. After a fine unbeaten 58, Mitchell Starc has the new ball in his hand. Stuart Broad on air does not reckon that the ball will swing much in these conditions. Aiden Markram, on a pair, and Ryan Rickelton, walk out to the middle to open the batting for South Africa. 65 overs left in the day. Good batting can see the Proteas get very close to 200 tonight itself. Incisive bowling can bring inroads in regularity for Australia. Here we go then. Markram on strike.

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

Australia will have to be patient. No doubt about that. Wickets are not going to be easy to come by and just as their counterparts toiled, they will have to face more of the same through the day. They bore a poor body language on Thursday morning and it will be a test of character for Cummins and his men. Because the target is 282, there could be a slight possibility that Australia get the chance of taking the second new ball. But if South Africa bat positively, they might as well finish the game off by the 75th over. Also, Nathan Lyon will look to try and extract some turn from this surface.

Fair point put in by Rabada. It is all about playing those first 25-30 overs. That's the time when the Dukes ball makes the most noise and if the Saffa batters can see off that phase, there is no reason why they cannot chase this total down with so much time left. The pitch might aid turn but that will come into display only on Day 4 and this match may not go past the first session on Saturday. Once this new ball gets older, it gets softer and in pristine batting conditions like there, one can only imagine what batters with good technique can do, if Starc and Hazlewood can hang around for around 2 hours.

KAGISO RABADA is up for a chat with the broadcasters. On being asked the obvious question, as to why did South Africa struggle to dismantle Australia this morning, Rabada says that the ball got a lot softer and the sun is out this morning. Reminds us that on Thursday, there was cloud cover and hopes that the sun stays out for his batters. On the approach for the chase, Kagiso says that the first thing is to build partnerships. Wants his batters to show positive intent, looking to go out there and chase the score. Does not want anyone to have two ways about the approach. On his own personal display, KG says that he really enjoyed his performance and would be great if his team could win. Adds that Lord's is a great place and he has enjoyed playing here. Further says that he would have felt nice to get a 10-fer but will rather take the win than the 10-fer.

A fair bit of praise for Josh Hazlewood as well. He played his part really well in that last-wicket stand of 59, seeing off 52 deliveries before getting dismissed on the 53rd. Barring that one slog sweep he attempted of Keshav Maharaj which he did not connect, 'The Hoff' was fairly disciplined. Just goes to show why Day 3 is called the best day to bat at Lord's. Had even one of the top-order batters hung around from last night, Australia might have still been batting and the lead would have swelled past 300.

Talking about small moments, South Africa have faced a few in this Test. In the first innings, that non reviewal of Beau Webster. Then in the second innings, first Kyle Verreynne dropping Starc on 12. Then, in the last over of Day 2, Marco Jansen not clinging onto a fairly simple chance, again of Starc, on 14. And he has managed to bat through a whole session and end the innings as Australia's highest scorer, making 58. The most impressive thing about Starc's batting was, he was giving a schooling in batting to all his mates in the top 6. Yes, he also nicked, got a fair few plays and misses, but critically, he hung in there, something which his other mates did not. And more importantly, he covered his stumps and exhibited strong defensive technique, not allowing the ball to go past his bat, if at the stumps.

Nothing to take away from Australia. They looked down and out at 73/7, with their lead reading 144. At that time, Ravi Shastri on air mentioned that 175 would be a good target on this ground. Nearly a session and a half later, the target gets pushed ahead by more than a 100 runs. It is all about these small things sometimes in cricket. When South Africa were bowling well, the Aussies were like a cat on a hot tin roof. The moment the gas flames were lessened, the cat started to dig its way through the roof. It is just a speculation but perhaps, perhaps the Proteas took their foot off the pedal when Pat Cummins was dismissed. And even more so this morning, when they got Nathan Lyon early. Carey and Starc batted responsibly, adding 61 for the 8th wicket and then the two seamers - Starc and Hazlewood - batted really dodgingly, adding 59 for the last wicket. From 73/7, the Kangaroos put on another 134. A small window was opened and Oz made sure that they have at least got a competitive score to try and defend.

Has the pitch changed? By all means, it has. For the last 2 days, it never had been about the pitch. It was just the ball talking. And the conditions overhead. However, today, with the sun beating down so hard, the pitch has got slower and slower and even the bouncers are barely going around waist height to the keeper. So yes, batting definitely got easier and with the Proteas not as disciplined as last evening, the Aussie tail, with their egos tucked under their belts for greater glory, milked the bowling easily.

Did South Africa veer away from the path which got them success to take 7 wickets quickly on Day 2? In this game the most effective length has been in the 6.5-6.8M area, with the line being on top of off or on the line of the stumps. However, this morning, for nearly an hour and a half, South African pacers had bowled just 4 deliveries targeting the stumps. And then, towards the fag end of that session, the shoulders started to drop. Might be one of the reasons, why the Aussie tail wagged for so long.

At this stage, everyone was probably thinking about how many runs would be needed by South Africa or wickets needed by Australia to win this game by the end of the day. However, because of this long rearguard action by the Aussies, where they have managed to bat 65 overs in their second innings, 25 of it alone this morning, we now see a Day 4 in prospect. Critics might call it as a failure of the African bowling attack to remove the tail. The optimist will say that this is the never-say-die attitude of the Aussies, fighting hard till the end. But there is also an in-between story.

Oohh... Edgbaston, anyone? In 2005, Australia were set a target of 282 by England. Lost by 2 runs. Edgbaston, 2023. Australia were set a target of 281 by England. Won by 2 wickets. This time around, against South Africa, they have set a target of 282. What will be the result this time around?

Aiden Markram to Josh Hazlewood, OUT! CAUGHT! Stop the press, South Africa have finally bowled the Aussies out! If Markram had not got this wicket now, Lunch would have been extended. But with a minute left for Lunch, Midas has struck. Not a great delivery, just a wide delivery short of a length outside off. Josh Hazlewood looks to punch it through the off side but does not keep it down and it goes straight to Keshav Maharaj at cover. The 59-run stand is broken and AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN BOWLED OUT FOR 207. TARGET FOR SOUTH AFRICA - 282!

Aiden Markram to Josh Hazlewood, The arm ball, 89 kph, on middle and leg, Hazlewood looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat, towards leg gully.

Aiden Markram to Josh Hazlewood, Thrown up, around middle and leg, Josh Hazlewood defends.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Shortish, around middle and leg, Mitchell goes back and works it through square leg for a single.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Full, around middle, Starc lunges and defends it towards mid-wicket.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Neatly done. Down the leg side, Mitchell Starc just tickles it past the keeper. There is no one in the area behind the keeper till deep square leg and a tired Kagiso Rabada is certainly not getting there. The lead moves to 280.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On middle and leg, this time Starc gets it past short leg for a single at mid-wicket.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, clipped through the leg side but excellent work by short leg.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Up and over the slip cordon! 50 for Starc, 50 of the partnership and 200 FOR AUSTRALIA! A short ball, outside off, Mitchell Starc stays leg side of the ball and then slashes hard, getting it over slip, to the deep third fence! Wife Alyssa Healy is happy in the members' arena but Starc just raises his bat slightly. He also understands that the bigger challenge will come with the ball for Australia, as they will need to pick 10 wickets on this pitch which seems to have gone flat.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A shortish ball, pushed towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight, defended.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Good batting and running. On a length, outside off, Josh Hazlewood pushes it to the left of mid off and takes a quick single.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Down the leg side, MS cannot get it away and is hit on the pads.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, A bit more leg sidish, Mitchell pushes it towards the bowler.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Flatter delivery, quicker in pace, pushed back to the bowler.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Fuller, around off, pushed towards mid-wicket.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Fired down the leg side, Starc misses his tuck.

Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Full, on leg stump, Mitchell Starc misses his flick.

Aiden Markram has been given the ball now. Got Steve Smith in the previous innings.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Around middle, nudged to the leg side.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, FOUR! Nicely done! A short ball, around off, Josh Hazlewood arches back and at the last moment, guides it over the slip cordon. The ball though, hits the toe end of his bat and that gives Aiden Markram half a sniff, as he leaps full stretch, with his right hand up, but the ball sails over, to the deep third fence. The lead moves to 270.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A short ball, around off, slow in pace, MS pushes it towards cover and takes the single this time.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Slightly short in length, outside off, Mitchell lets it pass.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Fuller, outside off, Starc drives it to the left of wide mid off. Does not run again.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards sweeper cover. Does not take the single.

Marco Jansen returns. 16-3-47-1 so far.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Full and straight, 140 kph, Hazlewood gets his bat down to push the ball down the ground.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Landed outside off, a touch wide, Josh Hazlewood pushes it towards point.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Good bowling, good batting. Ngidi delivers a slower ball and initially, Starc lines himself up for the slog over the leg side. But at the last moment, he spots the slower ball and adjusts his shot, clipping the ball towards mid-wicket, for a single.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, Mitchell mistimes his punch wide of deep mid off. Does not take the single.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight, Starc pushes it towards long on. Sets off initially but then realizes that he will not be able to get back for the second. So sends Hazlewood back.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, Mitchell Starc drives it towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, That is very well done by Marco Jansen. Flighted, around off, JH plays a tame chip over mid-wicket, trying half a slog sweep. Jansen at deep mid-wicket sets off slowly towards the ball but does really well to slide to his right and push the ball away. He ensures that the ball is away from the ropes, which gives Temba Bavuma enough time to get to the ball from cover. Two runs taken.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, around middle and off, Josh pushes it towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Maharaj switches to around the wicket, tosses it up on middle, Hazlewood blocks again.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Looped up, outside off, 87 kph, Josh Hazlewood defends.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, Starc pushes it through the covers and takes the single. The stand moves to 40.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Tossed up, around off, 83 kph, Mitchell Starc gets a good stride to defend.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Full and down the leg side, Josh Hazlewood looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Oohs and aahhs from the Proteas but that was comfortably going down the leg side.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, A short ball now, outside off, MS pulls it to the right of deep mid-wicket. Tristan Stubbs perhaps picks the ball late and by the time he gets to the ball, there is enough time for the second. But Starc is not interested, taking just the single, perhaps because there are only 2 balls left in this over. Or maybe, he did not see Stubbs reacting slowly. Hazlewood did though, and charged down for the second, only to be sent back.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, Mitchell looks to drive straight but gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid on.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Landed around off, Starc defends it back to the bowler.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Full, on middle, Mitchell Starc clips it towards deep mid-wicket. Does not take the single.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Very slow through the air, 78 kph, outside off, short of full, spinning into the lefthander, Hazlewood defends. Consecutive maidens.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Around middle and off, just a touch short, Josh Hazlewood pushes it to the off side.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, On middle and leg, JH clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, around off, Josh defends.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Aha. Losing patience. Mid on is brought up and immediately, Hazlewood's eyes light up. Targets the leg side with a slog sweep but only toe-ends it back to the bowler.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, outside off, 82 kph, Josh Hazlewood lunges to defend but gets an outside edge, all along the ground, past slip, towards backward point.

The South Africans have shown the ball to the umpires. They claim that the ball has gone way out of shape and the umpires agree as well. Out comes the fourth umpire with a couple of boxes, to help the umpires select the replacement ball. Starc, who is taller than all the three umpires on the field, is towering over them, watching the ball being selected like a hawk.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Another terrific delivery. The pace is slowed down to 114 kph, and the ball pitches and then spins back in, to the left hander, almost like a leg cutter. Starc does not pick the change in pace at all and is late into his flick, getting a leading edge. Does not carry to the bowler who lets out a wide smile.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, on a length, 138 kph, Mitchell Starc punches it towards mid off.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Lovely ball. Ngidi comes charging in but bowls a slower ball at 115 kph. It is targetted at the stumps, very full, almost a yorker length, but MS does well to watch the ball till the last moment. Gets his bat down in time to defend.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Ngidi switches to around the wicket, bowls it short of full, outside off, Mitchell defends.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle and leg, Starc defends it back to Ngidi.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around off, Mitchell Starc pushes it defensively towards mid off.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Outside off, JH leans and smothers it out.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, around off, defended solidly.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Thrown up, outside off, Josh leans and drives it uppishly through the covers. It lands in front of the fielder but goes wide of his dive. The fielder gets up and tracks it down near the ropes, with a slide. Two runs taken. Hazlewood moves to 10 and Australia lead by 260.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, A touch quicker, 84 kph, full around off, Hazlewood defends it towards point.

Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Plenty of loop, outside off, 82 kph, Josh Hazlewood leans and pushes it towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Tossed up, around off, Mitchell Starc leans and drives it through the covers for a single. With that, Starc has become the leading run getter in this innings!

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Landed outside off, a touch wide, Josh Hazlewood shoulders arms.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Full and around off, 137 kph, JH gets his bat down completely to push the ball towards mid off.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Down the leg side, Hazlewood misses his clip.

Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, EDGED, DROPS SHORT! Another one of those. Full, outside off, Josh Hazlewood pushes at it away from his body and gets a thick outside edge. Lands well short of second slip.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Down the leg side, Mitchell Starc works it through square leg. For a brief moment, Starc sees Rabada ambling to the ball and calls for the second but then changes his mind.

Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, pushed to the off side.

Finally, Rabada gets a rest. 7-1-15-1 reads his spell this morning. Lungi Ngidi gets a chance to finish things off. 9-0-35-3 so far.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Full, on middle and leg, Mitchell pushes it down to long on for a run. He has really resisted going for that slog sweep.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Fired in, outside off, Starc looks to punch it through the off side but misses.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Floated, outside off, driven towards cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, a touch short, punched towards cover again.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Full, outside off, driven straight to cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, TWO BYES! That has gone through. Full, wide outside off, Mitchell Starc looks to drive but misses. The ball stays low and the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, is unable to hold on. It goes behind and by the time slip can get to it, the batters return for the second.

DRINKS BREAK. Well, there are two ways to look at this. A. It has been a painful hour for South Africa, where they have picked only 1 wicket with the tailenders at the crease, in 13 overs, for 35 runs. B. From 73/7, Australia are batting quite comfortably, definitely even more so this morning. Given that Mitchell Starc alone has faced 93 balls, that will give a lot of confidence to the Protea batters that the pitch has definitely eased out. Additionally, with the conditions not overcast and the sun beating down on the pitch, it has gotten even slower and the ball is not even carrying to the keeper. Yes, the lead reads 253 but given the way this pitch has played this morning, with 2-and-a-half days left, it definitely looks chaseable. Here's a look at spin. Keshav Maharaj to bowl. 2-0-10-0 so far.

Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Outside off, cuts back in, Hazlewood looks to push it through the off side but the ball, coming slowly off the surface, takes the inner half of the bat and goes towards mid-wicket. Hazlewood thinks about the single but Starc is not interested.

Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, On middle and leg, Josh Hazlewood stays leg side of the ball, exposes all his three stumps and defends it down the wicket.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Closer to the off stump, fuller again, this time MS takes the single, as he pushes it towards deep cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full and wide outside off, Mitchell has a hack at that, aiming to go over cover. Only manages a thick outside edge which runs down to deep third. Single not taken.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Down the leg side, 136 kph, Starc looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. No real appeal for LBW as the angle from around the wicket would have taken the ball past the leg stump.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, 134 kph, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards mid on.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, Josh Hazlewood shoulders arms as the ball dies on its way to the keeper.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point for a single. Moves to 40 and this stand itself is worth 30.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Landed on a length, wide outside off, MS throws his bat at it and gets it in front of cover. By the time Ryan Rickelton can get to the ball, the batters cross each other twice. THE LEAD MOVES TO 251.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell pushes it towards cover.

Change of angle. Jansen switches to over the wicket.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Similar ball, a touch fuller, Starc plays it down in front of short leg.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle, from around the wicket, good bounce, Mitchell Starc rises with the bounce and dabs it down.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, down the leg side, Mitchell clips it over short leg for a single at deep mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Another effort ball, dug in short, at the chest level of Starc, but he rises with the ball and although finds it awkward, manages to keep the ball down in front of short leg.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Landed outside off, effort ball, but well outside off, left alone.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, FOUR! Great awareness of the field from Starc as he hits the ball to the same area where the fielder was, exactly a ball before! A good short ball from Rabada, outside off, Mitchell Starc rises with the bounce and just opens the face of his bat, to guide it to the left of gully. It is on its way towards the deep third fence and once again, Ryan Rickelton gives it his all from sweeper cover, puts in a dive but cannot get to the ball.

More field changes. Deep third comes in towards gully, while cover moves to the deep.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A good short ball, around off, Starc nudges it to the leg side.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle and off, Mitchell Starc defends.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Slower ball, short in length, on leg stump, Hazlewood defends it in front of short leg.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Yorker, around middle and leg, well dug out.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, worked past short leg, to his left and this time, the batters take a single.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, EDGED, FOUR! Another stroke of luck for Australia. A fiery yorker from Jansen, outside leg, somehow, Starc gets his bat down in time. Gets an inside edge which nutmegs his legs and races to the fine leg fence. Jansen appeals for LBW and Bavuma seems interested as his bowler demands a review but the keeper, Kyle Verreynne indicates that there was bat involved. The lead moves to 243 now. Starc moves to 31. This stand is worth 21.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A bouncer now, outside leg, Starc defends.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A short ball, at the body, Mitchell Starc gets outside the line and tucks it to the left of short leg. Does not take the single.

Change? Yes, but not in the bowling. In the angle. Marco Jansen is switching to around the wicket to Starc and is getting a short leg in position. There is a deep third in place as well. Expect short stuff.

Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Fast and furious, 142 kph, full and just outside off, Hazlewood pushes it towards cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Full on middle, Josh Hazlewood works it towards short mid-wicket.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full, outside off, MS goes hard on the drive but again, the ball comes slowly off the pitch. Hence, he gets it off the toe end of the bat through mid off. Lungi Ngidi is standing somewhere three-quarters ahead of the rope, at wide mid off and Starc is not sure whether to run or not. But Hazlewood is halfway down the pitch and eventually Starc decides to take the single.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle and off, Mitchell bunts it down the pitch. Rabada himself gets across to his left to stop the ball.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Lovely ball. On a length, outside off, Starc plays inside the line and gets beaten.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, Mitchell Starc drives it towards mid off.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, Josh flashes his blade and gets the ball off the outer half of the bat, behind point. By the time Rickelton can get there, the batters return for the second.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Back of a length, outside off, Josh Hazlewood opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point. Plenty of real estate out there and Starc sets off for the single but Hazlewood sends him back.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, JH punches it towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Full and straight, Josh looks to work it to the leg side but the ball comes in slowly off the surface. Takes the leading edge and goes on the bounce to the bowler.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, A bouncer, around off, Hazlewood ducks. That barely bounced.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, EDGED, FOUR! Full and outside off, Josh Hazlewood throws his bat at it. Gets a thick outside edge which goes to the left of gully and is trickling towards the backward point fence. Ryan Rickelton puts in a terrific effort to run to his right from sweeper cover and gets there as well. Dives full stretch but cannot push the ball back. Australia will take anything that comes their way.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight, Starc clips it towards short mid-wicket. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end and nearly concedes an overthrow but Ngidi backs it up well.

Lungi Ngidi now comes in at short cover, to prevent the single.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc shoulders arms.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full and wide outside off, MS throws the kitchen sink at that, but because his feet don't move, he is far away from the ball. Misses it by a fair distance.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around off, Mitchell pushes it towards cover.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A good short ball, outside off, decent bounce, Starc rises with the bounce and dabs it towards cover-point.

Jansen is going off the field now. He got hurt on his left thumb twice last evening and maybe, just wants to run some repairs. Corbin Bosch is in as a substitute.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, A full toss, down the leg side, JH flicks it through fine leg but does not take the single.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A short ball, outside off, Starc goes for the pull but the ball comes slowly off the deck. Gets a bottom edge through mid on and takes the run. The stand moves to 10.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Starc shoulders arms.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Oh... this could have been close! Landed on a length, outside off, Josh backs away to the leg side and looks to punch to the off side. Gets a bottom edge which rolls towards point.  Wiaan Mulder attacks the ball to his left from gully and gets there quickly. But just when he is about to pick the ball and throw, he slips and loses balance. Still has a shy at the striker's end but the throw is way wide. Starc was not quite on his heels there and had Mulder not slipped, it might have been interesting.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Again, staying leg side of the ball. Jansen targets the stumps and gets the ball to come into the lefthander from outside off, but Hazlewood manages to put bat on ball to push it towards cover.

Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, A length ball, outside off, Josh Hazlewood moves away from the line of the ball to the leg side and attempts to punch it through the line, but misses.

Marco Jansen has been given the ball now. 12-3-31-1 so far. He was warming up in that last over.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A jaffa to end the over. Rabada keeps the line just outside off and lands it on a length short of full. Starc stays leg side of the ball and attempts to just push it away but is beaten by the late movement. Just too good for him.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A good short ball, outside off, rises on its way to the batter but Mitchell Starc rises with the bounce and looks to defend. Gets a thick inside edge onto his body.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Sharp indecker from Rabada, outside off, catches MS on his crease as he is late in trying to flick it away. Gets hit on the pads and there is a small appeal but everyone realizes that there was an inside edge involved.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A good bumper, outside off, Mitchell shoulders arms. Good carry on that one, with the keeper collecting it at head height.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight, Starc defends it solidly.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, EDGED, FOUR! Lucky runs for Australia. Full, outside off, Mitchell Starc looks to defend but does not go with hard hands. As a result, though he gets an outside edge, it straightaway goes to ground. Exploits the gap between second slip and gully and races to the deep third fence. The lead moves to 230.

Wiaan Mulder to Josh Hazlewood, Full, outside off, 135 kph, JH pushes it behind point but this time, they don't take the single. Perhaps Starc feels that Hazlewood may not be able to keep Rabada out. In this form, not many can.

Wiaan Mulder to Josh Hazlewood, Full, outside off, 133 kph, Josh pushes at it, but at the last moment thinks about withdrawing his bat. Is late and just about gets beaten. Very close to nicking it off.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Just short of a length, outside off, Starc punches it through point for one.

Wiaan Mulder to Josh Hazlewood, Hazlewood gets a chance to open his account. Mulder gets a bit too straight and Hazlewood works it wide of mid on for a run.

Wiaan Mulder to Josh Hazlewood, Full and straight, pushed back to the bowler.

Wiaan Mulder to Josh Hazlewood, Outside off, comes in with the angle, Josh Hazlewood looks to punch but gets it off the bottom half of the bat towards mid on.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, On a length, wide outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes it to deep point. Interestingly, the single is taken. The field is spread for Starc as Bavuma feels that he will try and play his shots. And Mulder has overstepped. NO BALL number 20 for South Africa. 10 in each innings. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. Lead by 224.

Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Outside off, coming in, this time Hazlewood lets it pass.

Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, Josh Hazlewood initially looks to leave but at the last moment, chooses to play. Gets a bottom edge to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood is the last man in, replacing Nathan Lyon.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, OUT! LBW! There comes the first wicket of the morning! 4th wicket for Rabada in the inning and 9th in the match. Takes just 10 balls to strike this morning. Full and straight, Nathan Lyon looks to play across the line but is beaten by the one tailing in. Is hit on the pads and umpire Chris Gaffaney raises his finger almost immediately. Lyon takes the review because there are reviews in place but Ball Tracking shows three reds, with the ball projected to hit the leg stump. The 14-run stand is broken and Australia are 148/9, leading by 222.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Full and straight, watchfully defended.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Around off, Starc has a wild swing and gets it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket. Single taken.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Is that the signal? Australia are not going to try and get as many runs as possible by just hanging in there. They are going to throw their bats around. Full, outside off, Mitchell Starc does not go full throttle but targets the area behind the bowler. Lofts this down the ground but because of the lack of timing, mid off gets there by tracking it. Two runs taken. The lead moves to 221.

Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Landed on a length outside off, Nathan Lyon looks to push at that tentatively but gets a bottom edge onto his pads. A maiden from Mulder to start his day.

Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Full, outside off, 131 kph, NL comes forward and plays a lovely-looking off drive but cannot beat the bowler.

Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Outside off, 132 kph, Nathan reaches out to this one and pushes it towards cover.

Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Full and just around off, Lyon defends.

Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Well done, Kyle Verreynne. From the Ian Smith school of wicketkeeping. Mulder strays down the leg side and Lyon looks to tickle it fine but misses. Probably clipped his pad on the way. Verreynne loses his footing as he tries to get across to his left but manages to stop it with his left boot. Reminds us of the way the great Ian Smith used to stop the ball in his hey days.

Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, On the money, is Mulder. Lands it on a length just outside off, Nathan Lyon gets across and pushes it towards mid on.

Whom will Bavuma throw the ball to? Rabada's usual partner Jansen or the in-form Ngidi? Neither! Wiaan Mulder has the ball. 6-0-14-1 so far.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Way too far outside off, lets it go, does Starc.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, The length is dragged back again, delivered with a wobbly seam, outside off, Mitchell shoulders arms and the ball wobbles sideways after landing, enroute its way to the keeper.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Really full, probably inviting Starc to drive and he obliges. Goes for the drive but mistimes it towards mid off.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Similar ball, a bit of extra movement into the batter, Starc lets it pass again.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, from around the wicket, Mitchell Starc shoulders arms.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, On a length, around off, coming in with the angle, Nathan Lyon works it wide of mid on for a single.

The players are ready for the action to begin. The South Africans get into a huddle while the overnight Aussie batting pair of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon stride out to the middle. Wonder whether they will be bowling in tandem at some point during the day. Right. The minute's silence has been observed and we are ready to get Day 3 kicking. Who else but Kagiso Rabada to get things underway. Lyon to face.

As most would be aware by now, there was a horrific plane crash that took place in Ahmedabad on Thursday. All the players would be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to the lives lost in that tragedy and will also be observing a minute of silence. May their souls rest in peace and their families get strength to deal with the situation. One of the all-time greats of Australian cricket, MATTHEW HAYDEN, looking dashing in a black coat and a black hat, has been given the honour of ringing the bell at Lord's today.

PITCH REPORT - Shaun Pollock mentions that 28 wickets have fallen so far in 2 days. The seam movement on offer has been 0.7 degrees compared to the normal level over here which is 0.6 degrees. He adds that swing wise there has been 0.7 degrees shape compared to the normal 1.1 degrees at the venue. Stuart Broad tells that there has been some wonderful bowling from both sides. Also points out the seam bowling in particular has been on point from both sides, as they have used the wobble seam on this pitch, with which there has been some movement on offer. He mentions that tactically, bowlers from both teams have looked to seam the ball more than swing. He tells that the batting from both sides has been a bit indifferent, due to lack of Test match cricket and technically players have exposed their stumps far too often. Pollock mentions that on landing the ball in right areas, it has been more than enough as a lot of edges have been produced by just landing the ball in right areas. Broad tells that pacers have stayed away from bouncers and in-swinging yorkers, because there is a lot of movement on offer while bowling at the top of off stump and there has been an advantage of the slope too. Pollock ends by saying that there is just a 10 percent chance of rain, and hence weather-wise, South Africa would be delighted to bat here.

Bright and sunny! That's the first good news for any cricket fan. So keep the rain forecast aside for now. The conditions are perfect for playing cricket and we should not only have a start on time, but at least increase our hopes of having an unscathed opening session.

Patience is virtue. A well-known phrase. But it is easier said than done. Australia had to endure a tough session on the morning of Day 2 and their body language was very surprising, with the shoulders dropping pretty quickly given their class. That seems to suggest that there is a tinge of desperation, especially amongst the seniors as this could be the last ICC event, that too, a final, for a few of them. On the other hand, South Africa, despite being labelled as chokers, with their last entry in the 2024 T20 World Cup final adding another chapter, have looked anything but nervous. They have taken the bull by the horns and not allowed their opponents to breathe easy at all. Amidst all the aggression, they have shown good patience, not being desperate to do anything and on this tense day, patience could be a big weapon for the team which ends up winning.

Historically, chasing in the 4th innings has been difficult at Lord's. But if we look generally at how the teams fare over the last few years, teams batting in the fourth innings at this venue have made more than 275 three times on the last 4 occasions. Australia themselves were on the brink of another 'Stokes'ingley special in 2023, when England made 327 in the 4th innings, attempting to chase down 371. So it is not like big totals cannot be made here, only that the conditions and the pitch could make the ball behave differently. It will also be interesting to see how the weather behaves, as there is some rain forecast for the day. Add to the fact that the scores of the batters are progressively decreasing across the innings. The first innings saw two half centurions, the second saw the highest score being 45 and it is highly unlikely that anyone will go past Alex Carey's 43 to register the highest score in the third innings. So batting will be a challenge and it all depends on how the players apply themselves.

It is very rare that we get a final of the quality that has been on display here. Both teams have fought tooth and nail and critically, neither team has been on top for too long. Just one when side has been putting the foot on the other's throat, the other has made a somersault to change the tables. And given that neither side is used to playing with the Dukes ball, there is no clear advantage as such to any unit. There has been a pattern across the three innings - the ball moves around for the first 25 overs, then stops moving for the next 25, before creating ruckus in the next set. Both teams have lost wickets primarily in the first 25 overs and made merry in the next 25 overs. So in terms of the chase, the danger period for South Africa or the striking period for Australia, whichever way you look at it - would be the new ball and when we reach the reverse swing stage.

Possibly the final day of the match and cycle? Should be, unless weather intervenes. After 2 days of exhilarating action, we expect nothing less on Day 3. Australia have recovered slightly from a precarious position to take their lead past 200 and with not much batting left, it will be a matter of when before the Proteas start batting. Despite that late fightback by Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, the Saffas are confident that they can chase down any target in the 4th innings. And traditionally, Lord's is the best place to be in as a batter on the third day. But is this pitch the same as what history suggests? Oooff.... too many questions and a whole day left to answer. Hello and a warm welcome to the third day of the final of the World Test Championship between South Africa and Australia at Lord's.

... DAY 3 ...

It is the confidence that sets such teams apart. Not saying the word 'die'. We have seen 28 wickets fall in 2 days but still cannot put a finger on who is ahead, as neither teams have dominated for long. There have been quite a few moments in this Test which have swung the momentum and a couple of those could be the 100-run sessions, both by Australia - after Lunch on Day 1 and after Tea on Day 2 - the only 2 such sessions in 6 played. The Aussies will be much confident at this stage, as opposed to when they were 73/7, but only someone who is unwise will predict a winner at this stage. Friday could be the last day of this cycle but given the rain forecast, you never know. Play is expected to start at 3 pm IST (0930 GMT) on 13th June, 2025, weather permitting. Given the cricket that these two teams have played so far, it might just boil down to the final hour of Day 3. Don't miss the action and do tune us early as our buildup will begin well in advance. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

LUNGI NGIDI, giving us a big smile, comes up for a chat with the broadcasters. Ngidi says that his team is in a very good position. He feels Australia bowled very well, to wrap up their batting for a short total. However, he feels that at the end of the day South Africa have made a good comeback. Lungi adds that it was tough in the first innings as he felt he didn't bowl in the right areas. Mentions that after Tea on Day 2, he felt he sort of started to get back his rhythm. He further says that the atmosphere has been very good and he felt nice when people were chanting his name in the crowd. LN feels this is what keeps him going and gives the energy. Mentions that the focus first up on Friday morning will be to pick up the two wickets. Ngidi admits that chasing over 200 won't be easy, given the bowling lineup Australia possesses, but he tells that his team will fancy itself all the same.

Irrespective of Australia's batting issues, nothing can be taken away from South Africa. They were down and out at the end of their first innings but came out firing in the second innings. It was Kagiso Rabada who set the tone but the player of the session has to be Lungi Ngidi, who just took his game to a next level. His first wicket of Steve Smith just took his confidence to the level of the sky and ensured that the Aussies did not run away with the lead.

Another question mark for Australia's batting. Hard to make out what that Carey-Starc partnership means. Did the ball stop moving? Did the pitch start playing better? The only justification that comes to mind is probably the ball got softer after the 25th or the 30th over, making batting relatively easy. But still, there cannot be any excuses for a batting lineup to flop twice in a match, that too, in the final. Australia might argue that they got the roughest of the conditions with the skies turning overcast when it was their turn to bat, but that is what the pinnacle tests you in. Your mental fortitude. Worryingly, for the Aussies, with a majority of senior players expected to retire post the Ashes later this year, it leaves a big hole in their inexperienced batting lineup, which just does not seem to have the technique to face quality bowling. The fight shown by Carey would have been expected from the others and not to see even one batter in the top 6 reach 25 is shocking.

Both these sides pride themselves on fielding and Alex Carey let himself down on Wednesday. On Thursday, South Africa let themselves down in that final session, first Kyle Verreynne failing to cling on to a difficult chance and then Marco Jansen, unable to adjust to the position after coming forward from his original stance. Both the drops were of Starc, and only time will tell whether this will prove costly. But apart from these, numerous edges fell in front of the slip cordon and someone or the other will question the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, as to why didn't he come a few steps forward.

It has been a case of tooth and nail for both sides. Day 1 - that review against Beau Webster - not taken and he goes on to make 72. On Day 2, that review by Pat Cummins against Kyle Verreynne and the innings folds up. In the third session of Day 2, it was not the reviews. It was something else. Fielding.

Have to give it to these two sides. With a deficit of 74, South Africa looked down and out. But they reduced Australia to 73/7 from 28/0. And then, from 73/7, the Aussies manage to find a way to bat on Day 3. It has been a bizarre day of cricket. The first session yielded only one wicket, but the next two gave us 13. It is definitely not easy for the batters to hang in there and even a single 50-run stand seems to be very difficult to be managed. The morning belonged to Temba Bavuma, where he led the Protean fightback from 43/4. He looked positive from the outset and probably that approach cost him his wicket. The middle session belonged to Pat Cummins, as he ran through the African batting lineup, claiming 6 wickets overall. And then, in the evening, Lungi Ngidi overcame his poor first innings returns with 3 crucial wickets in a marathon 9-over spell.

Another exhilarating day of Test cricket. 14 wickets again on Day 2, for 239 runs, in 75.1 overs. Not sure whose camp would anyone want to be at this point in time. Australia were down and out in the dumps but somehow found a way to survive through Carey and Starc. Having said that, despite the lead saying 218, historically, the third day is the best to bat at Lord's. So South Africa will believe that they are in the ascendancy, as anything under 250 should be chased down, from Lord's point of view.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, A length ball, with a bit of wobble on it, outside off. Mitchell Starc sees it go to the keeper. And that is STUMPS ON DAY 2! AUSTRALIA 144/8, LEAD BY 218!

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Fuller in length on the off stump, Mitchell Starc flicks this away, all along the ground, to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, EDGED AND PUT DOWN! We have seen so many edges not carrying to the slips, and just when one did, it has been dropped and Marco Jansen is disgusted with himself! Length ball, just outside off, nibbling away from the pitch. Mitchell Starc hangs his bat away from his body and gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes flat and towards Jansen, at waist height, at third slip. Now, this might be because all the slip fielders have come in. Jansen gets a bit low to grab that, but eventually puts it down. Second life for Starc.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Full and well outside off, Mitchell Starc leaves it alone.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, FOUR BYES! Full and sliding down leg, Mitchell Starc looks to tickle it fine, doesn't get any bat as the ball was too wide. The wicketkeeper dives to his right but doesn't get any hand on it. The ball runs down to the fine leg fence.

Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Length ball moving into the left hander, just outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes at it and gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to the first slip fielder. Oh, could the wicketkeeper have gone for it? Possibly!

Wiaan Mulder is back on. 5-0-12-1 so far.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Nagging length, outside off, stays low off the deck. Nathan Lyon goes fishing at it and gets beaten past the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Landed outside off, on a hard length, Lyon makes a leave. Another overstepping from Rabada, another NO BALL. Rabada is fuming at himself here.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Excellent fielding by the South African skipper there! Full and outside off, Mitchell Starc cracks the drive wide of mid off. Temba Bavuma from mid off runs to his right and throws himself with the dive, and manages to intercept the ball cleanly. A single taken.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, angling in from outside off. Mitchell Starc tries to steer it to the leg side, but gets an inside edge on the front pad.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Length ball moving into the right hander, in the channel outside off, Nathan Lyon lunges forward looking to defend it. He gets an outside edge that lands short of the second slip fielder who goes at the ball and eventually misfields it as the ball runs away behind the wicket. Batters take a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, On a good length, shaping away, well outside off, Nathan Lyon leaves it alone. Kagiso Rabada has again overstepped. Another NO BALL!

Nathan Lyon walks in now at number 10, replacing Alex Carey.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, OUT! LBW! Kagiso Rabada strikes! Loud appeal and given! Not surprisingly, being the last recognized batter, Alex Carey opts for the review. Full and seaming into the lefthander, the ball pitches outside off, and seams in to hit the front pad of Carey who looks to play the flick and misses. Here's the third umpire on screen. Nothing on the UltraEdge as the ball goes past the bat. Ball Tracking coming up. Pitching outside off, Impact in line and hitting on umpire's call. The on field call will stay and so will Australia's review but Alex Carey's fighting knock comes to an end. The 61-run stand has been broken at last and AUSTRALIA ARE 134/8, leading by 208.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Length ball seaming into the left hander, just outside off, Alex Carey cuts it in front of square to the left of deep point and takes two runs.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good length ball, on middle and off, Alex Carey blocks it to mid on. Oh another NO BALL. It's the seventh in this innings. And in total South Africa have bowled 17 no balls in this game.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Alex Carey now drills this full ball down to long on for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, FOUR! Swept away neatly! Tossed up, fuller and on middle. Alex Carey gets down on his knee and sweeps this behind square on the leg side. Corbin Bosch, the substitute fielder, runs across to his left from deep mid-wicket, but is a bit late to time his slide and the ball goes into the fence for a boundary.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, AUSTRALIA NOW LEAD BY 200! Pulls the length a bit back, does Keshav, turning in from off, Mitchell Starc rocks back and turns this into the leg side for a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Shorter and turning into the left hander, Mitchell Starc stays back and punches it back to the bowler.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Full on off, Mitchell Starc prods forward and blocks it off the front foot.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Slower through the air, fuller in length, on off, Alex Carey pushes it through the vacant mid on region for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, OH, A TIGHT LEAVE! Rabada hits the deck hard, angles it into the batter, on top of middle and cutting back in. Mitchell Starc exposes all his stumps as he hangs the bat in the air to make the leave. It just goes over the sticks!

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, A length ball, outside off, Alex Carey shapes up to drive through cover, but gets an inside edge to the mid-wicket region. A single taken.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, A bit full, outside off. Alex Carey works this across to mid on.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, FOUR! FIFTY-RUN STAND! Finally, some sort of a fight shown by Australia. Overpitched on middle, Alex Carey drives it down the ground wide of mid on and gets a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Length ball on leg, Mitchell Starc looks to clip it but misses. The ball hits him near the thigh pad area and drops into the leg side. Alex Carey calls for one and the batters sneak in a leg bye.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Edged and dropped? Or did it land short of Kyle Verreynne? Oh, just about carried, and it will go down as a dropped chance. Full, angling in and straightening after pitching, the line was outside off, Mitchell Starc goes for the drive and gets an outside edge. The ball goes to the left of the wicketkeeper, who dives to his left and puts out his left hand, but the ball dips on its way through and doesn't stick in his glove.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Singles coming at some ease now for Australia. Drags the length back, does Maharaj, spinning onto the pads from middle. Mitchell Starc hangs back and steers it through square leg for one more run.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Floated up, full and on middle and leg, Alex Carey works this with the spin through mid-wicket for a run.

Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Pushed through, full and on middle. Driven into the off side by Carey.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Full, slower through the air, around off, Mitchell Starc lunges forward and defends it to the left of backward point and picks up a single.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Another flighted delivery on off stump, Mitchell Starc eases the drive to short cover.

Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Tossed up on off, Mitchell Starc defends it solidly off the front foot.

Bavuma does not want the game to drift. Needs a breakthrough and brings on Keshav Maharaj for the first time in this innings.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Aims the stumps, does Rabada, on a length, around off, Alex Carey leans on it and taps it across to mid on. The stand between Carey and Starc now grows to 42 runs.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Shortish delivery, on the bodyline. Mitchell Starc climbs over it and steers this through mid-wicket for another run.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good length, over the top of middle and leg. Alex Carey tucks this into the mid-wicket region and rushes through for a quick single. Ryan Rickelton there is quick to pick and throw at the bowler's end, but misses to score the direct hit, and Carey gets home with a dive.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Length ball angled in on middle, Mitchell Starc plays the push straight to mid on and sets off for a single. Ryan Rickelton at mid on collects the ball and fires in a throw at the non-striker's end and misses. A direct hit there, and Mitchell Starc would have been in trouble!

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Length ball sliding down leg, Mitchell Starc looks to tickle it and misses. The ball hits the back leg and goes fine to the left of deep fine leg. Batters manage to complete two for the leg byes.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on the body Alex Carey works it to the left of mid on and takes a single.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, A superb effort from Bavuma, saves a boundary. But frustrations just might have started to creep in the South African camp now as runs have started to come at a brisk pace for Australia since the last few overs. Jansen bowls a fuller delivery, straight at the stumps, Alex Carey drives it straight down the ground. Temba Bavuma from mid on is on the charge and flicks the ball, just before the ropes with a slide. The batters run three in the meantime. Australia now lead by 183 runs.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Bangs the surface hard, does Marco, around off and gets it to nip away. Mitchell Starc stands tall, stays leg side, and guides the ball through the vacant point region for a single.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Strays it down leg on a fuller length. Mitchell Starc misses the flick.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, On a length, on middle leg, Alex Carey clips it through the mid-wicket region for one.

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, FOUR! Adding salt to the wound! On a length just outside off, Alex Carey punches it off the back foot wide of short cover for four!

Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, CAREY OVERTURNS AN LBW CALL! Length ball seams into the lefthander, Alex Carey goes for the flick and gets beaten as the ball hits the front pad. There is a loud appeal for LBW and the umpire's finger is up in a flash. Carey is quick to go for the DRS, but probably because he thinks that the angle will take the ball down the leg side. But we need not even go till there. There's a spike on UltraEdge as the ball goes past the bat and the on-field call will be overturned! Don't think Carey thought he hit it either. So Bavuma is not the only one who does not know whether he has nicked the ball or not.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, on middle, Alex Carey defends this ball into the ground and sets off for a quick single. Marco Jansen goes running towards the ball, but doesn't manage to pick it up cleanly. The batters complete one. Cheers go around the ground as the umpire signals another NO BALL! Number 16 for the match for South Africa. The cheers were for the 100 BEING RAISED FOR AUSTRALIA. The lead is 174.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Back of a length, on middle and leg, this is tucked into the leg side by Carey. Came more off the inner half of the blade.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, FOUR! These are vital runs for Australia as the lead now grows to 172 runs. Back of a length, just outside off. Alex Carey lifts himself with the bounce and cuts it square, gets it past the vacant point region as the ball trickles towards the fence. It seems like Keshav Maharaj did not pick the ball from deep backward point, as he sets off very late. Tries to run across to his left, but then slows down again, possibly losing the ball midway. Tried to put in a dive to his left, but ends up parrying it into the fence.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, JAFFA! KG Rabada bowls a length ball, just around off, straightening just a bit. Alex Carey leans forward to play the straight drive, but plays inside the line. The ball flirts past the outside edge and carries to the keeper.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Overpitched on middle, Mitchell Starc flicks it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full, angling in and moving away after pitching, too good for Starc to get some bat on it, as he again just pushes through the line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Enough of the edges not carrying. The second slip comes in very close now and third slip follows suit. Aiden Markram is standing at second slip with his helmet on.

Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A touch full and in the corridor of uncertainty, Mitchell Starc goes feeling at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good length delivery on middle, Alex Carey pushes it into the leg side and sets off for a quick single. Another piece of information from the third umpire, as he tells Chris Gaffaney that Kagiso Rabada has overstepped. NO BALL. Number 15 for the match for South Africa.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Around the fourth stump line, full in length, Mitchell Starc pushes this to the cover region.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Nagging length, around off, tucked across into the leg side.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Just short! We have forgotten the count of the balls falling short of the slip fielders in this Test. Fuller one, around off, nibbling away. Mitchell Starc tries to work this one to the off side, only to get a thick outside edge. Luckily for him, the ball lands short of Aiden Markram's left at second slip. He dives and picks it on the bounce to his left.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc drops his hands as he leaves it alone.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, BEATEN! On a length angling into the left-hander, straightens after pitching, as Mitchell Starc goes feeling for the ball.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Short ball, just outside off, Mitchell Starc looks to play it with soft hands, and gets a thick outside edge that goes on the bounce to the gully fielder.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Overpitched on off, Mitchell Starc drives it back to Marco Jansen, who puts his left hand out and makes the stop. Again, Jansen just looks at his left thumb and winces in pain. He had injured himself earlier and it seems like the ball hit that portion again. Meanwhile, NO BALL has been signalled as the third umpire has informed the on-field umpire that Marco Jansen has overstepped. 4th no ball of the innings, 14th of the match for South Africa.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, around off. Alex Carey drops this down on the pitch.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Touch full and around off, angling in. Alex Carey gets an inside edge onto the pad, while trying to flick this through the leg side.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Hits the deck hard, straight on off, Alex Carey punches this off the back foot, onto the pitch.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, FOUR! Useful runs for the Aussies! Finally a bad ball is put away. Back of a length sliding down leg, Alex Carey manages to tickle it fine as the ball goes racing away behind the wickets towards fine leg for four.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good length ball on off, Alex Carey cuts it to straight to cover-point.

Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Length ball, just outside off, Alex Carey plays a chip shot into the vacant mid-wicket region and picks up two runs.

Ngidi might be done for the day and match. What a marathon spell it was - 9-0-35-3. Gets a well-earned rest as he heads back to the dressing room. Kagiso Rabada to finish things off. 6-0-15-2 so far. The conditions are perfect for Australia's top and middle-order batters - Bright and sunny - just that they have to witness these conditions from the dressing room.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Good length, outside off, Starc lets it be.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Sprayed at the pads, full in length. Starc misses the flick and the ball grazes the front pad before rolling to the right of the keeper. Kyle Verreynne moves to the ball and makes the stop. Another loose ball goes unpunished. Seems like Australia have gone into a shell, just trying to survive the scenario somehow.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight on middle, Mitchell Starc drives it towards mid off.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Overpitched on off, Mitchell Starc plays the off drive which goes straight to mid off.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A touch full ball, in the channel outside off, Mitchell Starc again shoulders his arms.

Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Length ball well outside off, Mitchell Starc leaves it alone.

Back to the main guys. Bavuma looking to wrap this up now. Back comes Marco Jansen. 9-2-19-1 so far.