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

( As on - Jun 24 2025, 11:55 PM IST )
Match Ended
SA
138282Target : 282( 245 )
1st2nd
212207
AUS
South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets

South Africa wins the 2025 ICC World Test Championship

Batting R B 4s 6s
Aiden Markramc Travis Head b Josh Hazlewood 136 207 14 0
Ryan Rickeltonc Alex Carey b Mitchell Starc 6 8 1 0
Wiaan Mulderc Marnus Labuschagne b Mitchell Starc 27 50 5 0
Temba Bavumac Alex Carey b Pat Cummins 66 134 5 0
Tristan Stubbsb Mitchell Starc 8 43 0 0
David Bedinghamnot out 21 49 1 0
Kyle Verreynnenot out 4 13 0 0
Marco Jansen
Keshav Maharaj
Kagiso Rabada
Lungi Ngidi
Total 83.4 Over (RR: 3.37) 282/5
Fall of Wickets

1-9 (Ryan Rickelton, 2.1 ov), 2-70 (Wiaan Mulder, 17.4 ov), 3-217 (Temba Bavuma, 59 ov), 4-241 (Tristan Stubbs, 70.3 ov), 5-276 (Aiden Markram, 81 ov)

Bowling O M R W
Mitchell Starc 14.4 1 66 3
Josh Hazlewood 19 2 58 1
Pat Cummins 17 0 59 1
Nathan Lyon 26 4 66 0
Beau Webster 5 0 13 0
Travis Head 2 0 8 0
Batting R B 4s 6s
Marnus Labuschagnec Kyle Verreynne b Marco Jansen 22 64 2 0
Usman Khawajac Kyle Verreynne b Kagiso Rabada 6 23 0 0
Cameron Greenc Wiaan Mulder b Kagiso Rabada 0 2 0 0
Steve Smithlbw b Lungi Ngidi 13 25 1 0
Travis Headb Wiaan Mulder 9 18 1 0
Beau Websterlbw b Lungi Ngidi 9 11 1 0
Alex Careylbw b Kagiso Rabada 43 50 5 0
Pat Cumminsb Lungi Ngidi 6 5 1 0
Mitchell Starcnot out 58 136 5 0
Nathan Lyonlbw b Kagiso Rabada 2 13 0 0
Josh Hazlewoodc Keshav Maharaj b Aiden Markram 17 53 2 0
Total 65.0 Over (RR: 3.18) 207/10
Fall of Wickets

1-28 (Usman Khawaja, 10.2 ov), 2-28 (Cameron Green, 10.4 ov), 3-44 (Marnus Labuschagne, 17.5 ov), 4-48 (Steve Smith, 18.5 ov), 5-64 (Beau Webster, 23 ov), 6-66 (Travis Head, 23.4 ov), 7-73 (Pat Cummins, 24.5 ov), 8-134 (Alex Carey, 38.2 ov), 9-148 (Nathan Lyon, 42.4 ov), 10-207 (Josh Hazlewood, 65 ov)

Bowling O M R W
Kagiso Rabada 18 1 59 4
Marco Jansen 18 3 58 1
Wiaan Mulder 8 1 18 1
Lungi Ngidi 13 1 38 3
Keshav Maharaj 6 1 17 0
Aiden Markram 2 1 5 1
Batting R B 4s 6s
Aiden Markramb Mitchell Starc 0 6 0 0
Ryan Rickeltonc Usman Khawaja b Mitchell Starc 16 23 3 0
Wiaan Mulderb Pat Cummins 6 44 0 0
Temba Bavumac Marnus Labuschagne b Pat Cummins 36 84 4 1
Tristan Stubbsb Josh Hazlewood 2 13 0 0
David Bedinghamc Alex Carey b Pat Cummins 45 111 6 0
Kyle Verreynnelbw b Pat Cummins 13 39 0 0
Marco Jansenc & b Pat Cummins 0 3 0 0
Keshav Maharajrun out (Travis Head / Alex Carey) 7 15 1 0
Kagiso Rabadac Beau Webster b Pat Cummins 1 6 0 0
Lungi Ngidinot out 0 1 0 0
Total 57.1 Over (RR: 2.41) 138/10
Fall of Wickets

1-0 (Aiden Markram, 1 ov), 2-19 (Ryan Rickelton, 8.4 ov), 3-25 (Wiaan Mulder, 15.2 ov), 4-30 (Tristan Stubbs, 20.2 ov), 5-94 (Temba Bavuma, 39.2 ov), 6-126 (Kyle Verreynne, 51.3 ov), 7-126 (Marco Jansen, 52 ov), 8-135 (David Bedingham, 55.2 ov), 9-138 (Keshav Maharaj, 56.5 ov), 10-138 (Kagiso Rabada, 57.1 ov)

Bowling O M R W
Mitchell Starc 13 3 41 2
Josh Hazlewood 15 5 27 1
Pat Cummins 18.1 6 28 6
Nathan Lyon 8 3 12 0
Beau Webster 3 0 20 0
Batting R B 4s 6s
Usman Khawajac David Bedingham b Kagiso Rabada 0 20 0 0
Marnus Labuschagnec Kyle Verreynne b Marco Jansen 17 56 1 0
Cameron Greenc Aiden Markram b Kagiso Rabada 4 3 1 0
Steve Smithc Marco Jansen b Aiden Markram 66 112 10 0
Travis Headc Kyle Verreynne b Marco Jansen 11 13 1 0
Beau Websterc David Bedingham b Kagiso Rabada 72 92 11 0
Alex Careyb Keshav Maharaj 23 31 4 0
Pat Cumminsb Kagiso Rabada 1 6 0 0
Mitchell Starcb Kagiso Rabada 1 12 0 0
Nathan Lyonb Marco Jansen 0 4 0 0
Josh Hazlewoodnot out 0 1 0 0
Total 56.4 Over (RR: 3.74) 212/10
Fall of Wickets

1-12 (Usman Khawaja, 6.3 ov), 2-16 (Cameron Green, 7 ov), 3-46 (Marnus Labuschagne, 18 ov), 4-67 (Travis Head, 23.2 ov), 5-146 (Steve Smith, 42 ov), 6-192 (Alex Carey, 51.1 ov), 7-199 (Pat Cummins, 52.4 ov), 8-210 (Beau Webster, 54.4 ov), 9-211 (Nathan Lyon, 55.5 ov), 10-212 (Mitchell Starc, 56.4 ov)

Bowling O M R W
Kagiso Rabada 15.4 5 51 5
Marco Jansen 14 5 49 3
Lungi Ngidi 8 0 45 0
Wiaan Mulder 11 3 36 0
Keshav Maharaj 6 0 19 1
Aiden Markram 2 0 5 1
Commentary
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.
56.4
W
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!
56.4
1
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.
56.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Just back of a length, angled into the batter's body, Starc defends it down the pitch.
56.2
0
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.
56.1
0
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.
56
over
56 | 1 Runs | HH: 211/9
55.6
0
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.
55.5
W
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!
55.4
0
Marco Jansen to Nathan Lyon, A length ball wide outside off, coming in, Nathan Lyon shoulders arms.
55.3
1
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.
55.2
0
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.
55.1
0
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.
55
over
55 | 8 Runs | HH: 210/8
54.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Wide outside off, left alone this time.
54.5
0
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.
54.4
W
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!
54.3
4
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.
54.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, Webster pushes it towards mid on.
54.1
4
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!
54
over
54 | 3 Runs | HH: 202/7
53.6
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Down the leg side, Starc tries to make use of the freebie with a whip but does not connect.
53.5
1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Tossed up, outside off, BW lunges and pushes it past point for a run.
53.4
0
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside of, Beau pushes towards cover again.
53.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, Webster gets a big stride to defend.
53.2
1
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?
53.1
1
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.
53
over
53 | 5 Runs | HH: 199/7
52.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Starc pushes but misses.
52.5
0
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.
52.4
W
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!
52.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Pat Cummins, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.
52.2
1
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, guided behind point for a single.
52.1
4
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.
52
over
52 | 2 Runs | HH: 194/6
51.6
0
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Tossed up again, Patrick lunges to defend.
51.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Outside off, a bit of flight, pushed towards point.
51.4
0
Keshav Maharaj to Pat Cummins, Fuller, around off, Cummins lunges and pushes it towards silly point.
51.3
1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, punched down to long on for a run.
51.2
1
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.
51.1
W
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.
51
over
51 | 2 Runs | HH: 192/5
50.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Full, just outside off, Beau gets a big stride to meet the ball and push it towards cover.
50.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, pushed towards cover.
50.4
0
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.
50.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, swinging away, left alone.
50.2
1
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.
50.1
1
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.
50
over
50 | 1 Runs | HH: 190/5
49.6
0
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.
49.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, On a dragged length outside off, turning it in, Carey defends it from the crease.
49.4
0
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.
49.3
1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, A touch short, outside off, Beau Webster rocks back and punches it through point, for a single.
49.2
0
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Fuller, around off, pushed towards cover.
49.1
0
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.
49
over
49 | 6 Runs | HH: 189/5
48.6
2
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.
48.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Pitched-up delivery on off, Alex Carey brings out the off drive and creams it straight to mid off.
48.5
1
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.
48.4
0
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.
48.3
3
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).
48.2
0
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.
48.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Full, just outside off, Beau Webster is solid in defense.
48
over
48 | 9 Runs | HH: 183/5
47.6
0
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.
47.5
4
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.
47.4
0
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.
47.3
0
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Full, around off, pushed towards mid on.
47.2
4
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.
47.1
1
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.
47
over
47 | 2 Runs | HH: 174/5
46.6
1
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.
46.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Good length in the channel, Webster strides forward and hits the drive straight to the cover fielder.
46.4
0
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...
46.3
1
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.
46.2
0
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.
46.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Full, just outside off, pushed towards cover.
46
over
46 | 5 Runs | HH: 172/5
45.6
1
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, A length ball on the pads now, Alex Carey flicks it down to fine leg for a single.
45.5
0
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Hard length, around the top of off, punched away from the crease towards point.
45.4
0
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.
45.3
4
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, FOUR! Better shot. Fractionally short, around off, Alex Carey swivels and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
45.2
0
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, Outside off, another play and a miss from Carey.
45.1
0
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.
45
over
45 | 6 Runs | HH: 167/5
44.6
1
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, On a length, outside off, pushed behind point for a run.
44.5
0
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.
44.4
4
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.
44.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, A bit too straight again, defended to the leg side.
44.2
1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, A bit too straight, Webster tucks it through square leg for a single. Moves to 49 (66).
44.1
0
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.
44
over
44 | 4 Runs | HH: 161/5
43.6
3
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.​​​
43.5
0
Aiden Markram to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, solidly defended.
43.4
1
Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Outside off, short of full, pushed between cover and point for a single.
43.3
0
Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Fuller, outside off, driven straight to cover.
43.2
0
Aiden Markram to Alex Carey, Outside off, cut straight to point.
43.1
0
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!
43
over
43 | 11 Runs | HH: 157/5
42.6
0
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.
42.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, steered straight to gully.
42.5
1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Full, outside off, pushed to the off side. Third overstepping of the over. NO BALL again.
42.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, on a length, Beau throws his hands at that one and nearly edges it. Misses.
42.3
4
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.
42.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Outside off, moving away, left alone.
42.2
1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Full on off, defended solidly. Another overstepping, another NO BALL.
42.1
4
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.
42.1
1
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.
42
over
42 | 1 Runs | HH: 146/5
41.6
W
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!
41.5
0
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, Fuller, around off, worked through mid on but short mid-wicket stops it with a dive to his left.
41.4
0
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, Around off, worked towards square leg.
41.3
0
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith, Outside off, defended solidly towards cover.
41.2
0
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.
41.1
1
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.
41
over
41 | 3 Runs | HH: 145/4
40.6
1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Quicker ball, punched through the covers for a run.
40.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Outside off, defended from the crease.
40.4
1
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.
40.3
1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Fractionally short, outside off, Webster goes back and punches it past cover, for a single.
40.2
0
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Landed around off, punched towards cover.
40.1
0
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Landed around middle, from around the wicket, Beau Webster gets a big stride in to defend towards cover.
40
over
40 | 5 Runs | HH: 142/4
39.6
0
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.
39.5
0
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.
39.4
1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Hard length over middle, angling in, worked away 'round the corner on the leg side for a single.
39.3
4
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).
39.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Similar ball this time Beau Webster gets across and nudges it towards mid on.
39.1
0
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.
39
over
39 | 4 Runs | HH: 137/4
38.6
0
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.
38.5
1
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.
38.4
1
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.
38.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Full and straight, less flight, 80 kph, Smith lunges to defend.
38.2
1
Keshav Maharaj to Beau Webster, Tossed up, around off, Beau Webster leans and pushes this through the covers for a run.
38.1
1
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Full, around off, Steve Smith leans and drives it wide of mid off for a single.
38
over
38 | 10 Runs | HH: 133/4
37.6
4
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.
37.5
0
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.
37.4
4
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.
37.3
1
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.
37.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Around off, pushed towards mid off.
37.1
1
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.
37
over
37 | 6 Runs | HH: 123/4
36.6
0
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.
36.5
4
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.
36.4
0
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.
36.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Steve Smith, Full, around off, pushed towards point.
36.2
0
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.
36.1
2
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?
36
over
36 | 6 Runs | HH: 117/4
35.6
1
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.
35.5
0
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.
35.4
1
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.
35.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Fuller now, around off, pushed towards point.
35.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Outside off, on a length, punched towards cover.
35.1
4
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.
35
over
35 | 2 Runs | HH: 111/4
34.6
2
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.
34.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On the fuller side, outside off and shaping away, much easier leave this time for SS.
34.4
0
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.
34.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Full and straight, Steve pushes it towards mid off.
34.2
0
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.
34.1
0
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.
34
over
34 | 5 Runs | HH: 109/4
33.6
1
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.
33.5
0
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.
33.5
1
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.
33.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and in the channel outside off, angling in, Smith leaves it alone.
33.3
1
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).
33.2
1
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Outside off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
33.2
1
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.
33.1
0
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?
33
over
33 | 5 Runs | HH: 104/4
32.6
0
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.
32.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Straightens the line and hits the deck hard, Webster blocks it back to the bowler.
32.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Pitched-up delivery in the channel outside off, nibbling away, Webster makes a well-watched leave.
32.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Landed outside off, punched straight to point.
32.2
1
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Outside off, pushed towards cover for a single.
32.1
4
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.
32
over
32 | 5 Runs | HH: 99/4
31.6
0
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.
31.5
4
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.
31.4
0
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.
31.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, A touch wide again, outside off, punched straight to point.
31.2
1
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.
31.1
0
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.
31
over
31 | 0 Runs | HH: 94/4
30.6
0
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.
30.5
0
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.
30.4
0
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.
30.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, A touch short outside off, Webster has another waft, only to miss.
30.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, pushed down to mid on.
30.1
0
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.
30
over
30 | 0 Runs | HH: 94/4
29.6
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Landed a touch wide outside off, Steve Smith gets across and shoulders arms.
29.5
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a good length, just around off, SS gets across and blocks it down the pitch.
29.4
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, defended to the off side.
29.3
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Dug in short, this is around middle and leg, Steve gets across and then lets it pass.
29.2
0
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.
29.1
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, outside off, Steve Smith gets a long way across and defends.
29
over
29 | 4 Runs | HH: 94/4
28.6
0
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...
28.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, left alone.
28.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Fuller, outside off, left alone again.
28.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Outside off, seaming away, shouldered arms to.
28.2
0
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!
28.1
4
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!
28
over
28 | 8 Runs | HH: 90/4
27.6
4
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.
27.5
1
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.
27.4
2
Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, A short ball, around off, Beau helps a pull over square leg for a couple.
27.3
0
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.
27.2
1
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.
27.1
0
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.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 82/4
26.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Beau Webster, Around off, pushed towards mid on.
26.5
0
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.
26.4
3
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.
26.3
1
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.
26.2
0
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.
26.1
0
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.
26
over
26 | 0 Runs | HH: 78/4
25.6
0
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.
25.5
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, A bit too wide outside off, short of full, SS lets it go again.
25.4
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Honing on the good length outside off, Steve gets across and shoulders arms.
25.3
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Finally puts bat on ball as Smith gets across and nudges this towards short leg.
25.2
0
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.
25.1
0
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.
25
over
25 | 11 Runs | HH: 78/4
24.6
3
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?
24.5
4
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.
24.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Landed on a length, outside off, Smith defends it solidly towards mid off.
24.3
0
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.
24.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On a hard length, slightly wide of the off stump and angling away, left alone by Smith.
24.1
4
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.
24
over
24 | 0 Runs | HH: 67/4
23.6
0
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.
23.5
0
Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, Fractionally short, outside off, Webster still is forced to stand tall and let it go.
23.4
0
Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, On a length, outside off, shouldered arms to.
23.3
0
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.
23.2
W
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!
23.1
0
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.
23
over
23 | 1 Runs | HH: 67/3
22.6
0
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.
22.5
0
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.
22.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full, around off, pushed towards cover.
22.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full again and outside off, darting it in towards the batter, Smith goes across and blocks it to covers.
22.2
0
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.
22.1
1
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.
22
over
22 | 8 Runs | HH: 66/3
21.6
0
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.
21.5
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
21.4
0
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.
21.3
4
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.
21.2
1
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.
21.1
3
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.
21
over
21 | 5 Runs | HH: 58/3
20.6
2
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.
20.5
1
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, Smith gets inside the line and works it towards fine leg for a single.
20.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full and just around off, Steve Smith gets across and pushes it back to the bowler.
20.3
1
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Hard length into the batter, clipped away wide of mid on for a quick single by Travis Head.
20.2
0
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.
20.1
1
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.
20
over
20 | 6 Runs | HH: 53/3
19.6
4
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.
19.5
0
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, The length is pulled back now. Around off, Head jumps and pushes it towards point.
19.4
2
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.
19.3
0
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, A touch fuller on middle, Travis Head pushes it off the crease to mid on.
19.2
0
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.
19.1
0
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.
19
over
19 | 1 Runs | HH: 47/3
18.6
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Definite movement on this one. Into the batter, Steve covers the line and pushes it towards point.
18.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Overpitched, around off, hint of inswing, driven towards mid off.
18.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Full, just around off, Steve Smith defends this back to the bowler.
18.3
0
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.
18.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, Back of a length on off, Steve Smith shuffles across and defends it to mid on.
18.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith, On a length and outside off, Steve Smith shoulders his arms to that one.
18.1
1
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.
18
over
18 | 5 Runs | HH: 46/3
17.6
W
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!
17.5
4
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.
17.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around middle, pushed down to mid on.
17.3
1
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.
17.2
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Overpitched on off, Steve Smith drives it off the crease to mid off.
17.1
0
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.
17
over
17 | 0 Runs | HH: 41/2
16.6
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, A touch wider outside off, Marnus shoulders arms.
16.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and just around off, Labuschagne covers the line nicely and defends it on the walk, towards the bowler.
16.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, around middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short mid-wicket.
16.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball well outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
16.2
0
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.
16.1
0
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.
16
over
16 | 4 Runs | HH: 41/2
15.6
4
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.
15.5
0
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.
15.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and wide outside off, Steve Smith gets across and shoulders arms.
15.3
0
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.
15.2
0
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.
15.1
0
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.
15
over
15 | 0 Runs | HH: 37/2
14.6
0
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.
14.5
0
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.
14.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, outside off, threatening to swing but holds its line. Labuschagne makes a well-watched leave.
14.3
0
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.
14.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length delivery, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
14.1
0
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.
14
over
14 | 8 Runs | HH: 37/2
13.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Full and outside off, left alone for the keeper to collect.
13.5
4
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.
13.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Good-length delivery, wide outside off and seaming further away, Smith leaves it alone.
13.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Fuller again on middle, Steve Smith defends it off the front foot to mid on.
13.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length ball on middle leg, Steve Smith plays the push towards short mid-wicket.
13.1
4
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.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs | HH: 29/2
12.6
0
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!
12.5
0
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.
12.4
0
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.
12.3
0
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.
12.2
0
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.
12.1
0
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.
12
over
12 | 3 Runs | HH: 29/2
11.6
3
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.
11.5
0
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.
11.4
0
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.
11.3
0
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.
11.2
0
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.
11.1
0
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.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs | HH: 26/2
10.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Hard length again, over off stump, Smith walks across and taps the ball towards mid-wicket.
10.5
0
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.
10.4
0
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.
10.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Back of a length, outside off, Steve Smith shoulders his arms to this one as he lets it go.
10.2
0
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.
10.1
0
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.
10
over
10 | 4 Runs | HH: 26/2
9.6
0
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.
9.5
0
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.
9.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Bowled on a hard length around off, darted in, Marnus stays back and blocks it off with soft hands.
9.3
4
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.
9.2
0
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.
9.1
0
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.
9
over
9 | 4 Runs | HH: 22/2
8.6
4
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.
8.5
0
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.
8.4
0
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.
8.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, This is way down the leg side, short in length. Smith gets inside the line and lets it pass.
8.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, On a length a bit wide outside off, Smith shoulders arms.
8.1
0
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.
8
over
8 | 2 Runs | HH: 18/2
7.6
0
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.
7.5
1
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.
7.4
0
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.
7.3
0
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.
7.2
0
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.
7.1
1
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.
7
over
7 | 5 Runs | HH: 16/2
6.6
W
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!
6.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, Much better from Rabada! Three-quarter length, around the fifth stump line and nibbling away. Green leaves it alone.
6.4
4
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.
6.3
W
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!
6.2
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.
6.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards mid on.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 11/0
5.6
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Pitched-up outside off, swinging further away, UK makes a comfortable leave.
5.6
2
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.
5.5
0
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.
5.4
0
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.
5.3
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, a play and a miss.
5.2
2
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On middle and leg, clipped wide of mid on for a couple.
5.1
2
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and wide outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leans and steers this behind point for a couple.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs | HH: 5/0
4.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full, wide outside off, let through.
4.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, This one bounces extra, pushed towards mid on again.
4.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, This stays a touch low, pushed down towards mid on.
4.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full, wide outside off, steered straight to point.
4.2
0
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.
4.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full, around off, pushed down to mid on.
4
over
4 | 5 Runs | HH: 5/0
3.6
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, left alone.
3.5
2
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.
3.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Landed outside off, swinging away, left alone.
3.3
2
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.
3.3
1
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.
3.2
0
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.
3.1
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, around off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it solidly down the track, with a loud call of 'WAIT ON!'
3
over
3 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/0
2.6
0
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.
2.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, A bit of wild bouncer, outside off, good height, Uzzie is not bothered at all.
2.4
0
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.
2.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full and wide outside off. Easy leave for Usman.
2.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length, around middle and leg, Khawaja tucks it through mid-wicket but straight to the fielder.
2.1
0
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.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/0
1.6
0
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.
1.5
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, around off, 135 kph, a good solid defense exhibited by Marnus Labuschagne.
1.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again, around off, ML watches it closely to get the bat down at the last moment to block.
1.3
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off, angling away, good lift, Marnus lets it go.
1.2
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller, outside off, Labuschange leans and drives it towards mid off.
1.1
0
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.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/0
0.6
0
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.
0.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Landed outside off, a touch wide, left alone again.
0.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length outside off, nipping back in sharply, Uzzie takes his bat out of harm's way.
0.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Full and straight Usman works it towards short mid-wicket.
0.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Slips this one down the leg side, Khawaja misses his flick.
0.1
0
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.
57.1
W
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.
57
over
57 | 3 Runs | HH: 138/9
56.6
0
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.
56.5
W
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.
56.4
0
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.
56.3
0
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.
56.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Kagiso Rabada, Around off, back of a length, Kagiso Rabada hits this past cover-point for a single.
56.1
1
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.
56
over
56 | 0 Runs | HH: 135/8
55.6
0
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.
55.5
0
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.
55.4
0
Pat Cummins to Kagiso Rabada, Good length on off, defended back.
55.3
0
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.
55.2
W
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.
55.1
0
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.
55
over
55 | 5 Runs | HH: 135/7
54.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Quicker through the air, around off, Maharaj stays back to defend.
54.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Outside off, a touch fuller, pushed towards cover.
54.4
4
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.
54.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller on middle, Keshav Maharaj solidly defends it off the front foot.
54.2
0
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.
54.1
1
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.
54
over
54 | 1 Runs | HH: 130/7
53.6
0
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.
53.5
0
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, A bumper now, around off, Keshav Maharaj ducks.
53.4
0
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Fuller, around off, driven straight to mid off.
53.3
0
Pat Cummins to Keshav Maharaj, Full on middle, Keshav Maharaj presents the full face of the bat and defends it towards mid off.
53.2
1
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full on middle, David Bedingham flicks it to the right of wide mid on and takes a single.
53.1
0
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.
53
over
53 | 3 Runs | HH: 129/7
52.6
1
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, around off, David Bedingham works it through mid-wicket for a run.
52.5
1
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.
52.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Keshav Maharaj, A touch short, around off, punched towards cover.
52.3
1
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.
52.2
0
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.
52.1
0
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.
52
over
52 | 1 Runs | HH: 126/7
51.6
W
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!
51.5
0
Pat Cummins to Marco Jansen, Another one in the channel, outside off, Jansen pushes but misses.
51.4
0
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.
51.3
W
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!
51.3
1
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!
51.2
0
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.
51.1
0
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.
51
over
51 | 2 Runs | HH: 125/5
50.6
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, outside off, Bedingham works it straight to short mid-wicket.
50.5
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch short, around off, pushed towrads mid on.
50.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Around off, punched down to long on for a single.
50.3
1
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.
50.2
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Tossed up on middle and off, David Bedingham drives it back to the bowler.
50.1
0
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.
50
over
50 | 2 Runs | HH: 123/5
49.6
1
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.
49.5
0
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.
49.4
1
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.
49.3
0
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.
49.2
0
Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Too full and outside off, Kyle Verreynne with a good stride across, drives it straight to cover.
49.1
0
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
49
over
49 | 10 Runs | HH: 121/5
48.6
4
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!
48.5
0
Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Length, around off, blocked out by David.
48.4
4
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.
48.3
0
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.
48.2
2
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.
48.1
0
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.
48
over
48 | 3 Runs | HH: 111/5
47.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, On a length and outside off, this is pushed to cover.
47.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Nagging length, around off, blocked off the back foot.
47.4
2
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.
47.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Not too full, not too short, on the stumps. Kyle Verreynne gets across and taps it to mid on.
47.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, On the stumps, full, Kyle Verreynne punches it to mid on.
47.1
1
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.
47
over
47 | 7 Runs | HH: 108/5
46.6
2
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.
46.5
0
Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Full, on off, pushed to mid off.
46.4
1
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.
46.3
1
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.
46.3
3
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.
46.2
0
Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, A gentle outswinger, outside off, on a length. Kyle again shows no interest in poking at it.
46.1
0
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.
46
over
46 | 1 Runs | HH: 101/5
45.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Length, outside off, curving away, David Bedingham cuts it off the back foot to backward point.
45.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Shapes away a shy bit, around off and full in length. David Bedingham defends it out.
45.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Hoff continues to attack the stumps, keeping the length full. David Bedingham blocks it straight.
45.3
1
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.
45.2
0
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.
45.1
0
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.
45
over
45 | 3 Runs | HH: 100/5
44.6
1
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.
44.5
0
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.
44.4
1
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.
44.3
1
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.
44.2
0
Beau Webster to Kyle Verreynne, Good length on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.
44.1
0
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.
44
over
44 | 2 Runs | HH: 97/5
43.6
0
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.
43.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, The length is pulled back now and Bedingham punches it towards mid off.
43.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, A length ball, pretty straight, around off, David Bedingham defends.
43.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Good length again, on middle and off, David Bedingham plays the push to mid on.
43.2
2
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.
43.1
0
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.
43
over
43 | 0 Runs | HH: 95/5
42.6
0
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.
42.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Tossed up, around off, Verreynne lunges to smother the spin.
42.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Full, around off, Kyle Verreynne stays back this time and works it towards short mid-wicket.
42.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Kyle Verreynne, Shorter length, off break, on off, Kyle Verreynne stays back and blocks it right under his eyes.
42.2
0
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.
42.1
0
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.
42
over
42 | 1 Runs | HH: 95/5
41.6
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, On a good length, around off, pushed towards mid on.
41.5
0
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.
41.4
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Landed on a length, outside off, David Bedingham defends it to the off side.
41.3
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Good length, on middle, David Bedingham flicks it to short mid-wicket.
41.2
0
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.
41.1
1
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.
41
over
41 | 0 Runs | HH: 94/5
40.6
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch short, around off, spinning in, bunted down the wicket. That's three consecutive maidens.
40.5
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Around off, coming in, nudged towards square leg.
40.4
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, around off, defended solidly.
40.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Shorter length off break, on off, David Bedingham works it on the bounce to forward short leg.
40.2
0
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.
40.1
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A touch fuller, just outside off, David Bedingham rocks back and blocks it right under his eyes.
40
over
40 | 0 Runs | HH: 94/5
39.6
0
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.
39.5
0
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.
39.4
0
Pat Cummins to Kyle Verreynne, Bangs the surface hard, on off, Kyle Verreynne punches it off the back foot, straight back to the bowler.
39.3
0
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.
39.2
W
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).
39.1
0
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.
39
over
39 | 0 Runs | HH: 94/4
38.6
0
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.
38.5
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Length, on off, spinning in a bit. Blocked off the back foot.
38.4
0
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.
38.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Not too full, on middle, David Bedingham stands tall and steers it to square leg.
38.2
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Drags the length a bit, on off, David Bedingham rocks back and taps it into the leg side.
38.1
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Tossed up, full and outside off, David Bedingham leans forward and pushes it straight to mid off.
38
over
38 | 1 Runs | HH: 94/4
37.6
1
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.
37.5
0
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.
37.4
0
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.
37.3
0
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.
37.2
0
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.
37.1
0
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.
37
over
37 | 1 Runs | HH: 93/4
36.6
0
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.
36.5
0
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.
36.4
1
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.
36.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Floated fuller, drifting around the leg stump, David Bedingham flicks this full ball to mid-wicket.
36.2
0
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.
36.1
0
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.
36
over
36 | 5 Runs | HH: 92/4
35.6
0
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.
35.5
1
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.
35.4
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Nagging length and David taps this across to the leg side.
35.3
4
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.
35.2
0
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.
35.1
0
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.
35
over
35 | 6 Runs | HH: 87/4
34.6
0
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.
34.5
0
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.
34.4
0
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.
34.3
6
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.
34.2
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Good length ball, on off, Temba Bavuma stays back and blocks it to short cover.
34.1
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, On a length angling into the right hander, Temba Bavuma defends it to short mid-wicket.
34
over
34 | 5 Runs | HH: 81/4
33.6
0
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.
33.5
0
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.
33.4
0
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.
33.3
1
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.
33.2
4
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.
33.1
0
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.
33
over
33 | 0 Runs | HH: 76/4
32.6
0
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.
32.5
0
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.
32.4
0
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.
32.3
0
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.
32.2
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Another good-length delivery on off, David Bedingham stays back and plays the push to mid off.
32.1
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Length ball just outside off, David Bedingham defends it to point.
32
over
32 | 6 Runs | HH: 76/4
31.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Action replay of the previous delivery.
31.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, closer to the off stump, this time Bavuma lets it pass.
31.4
4
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.
31.3
0
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.
31.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length around off stump line, Temba Bavuma nicely gets forward as he defends this delivery to point.
31.1
2
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.
31
over
31 | 1 Runs | HH: 70/4
30.6
0
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.
30.5
0
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.
30.4
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full and just around off, David Bedingham gets low to defend it towards mid on.
30.3
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Good-length delivery angled into the right hander on middle, David Bedingham works it to short mid-wicket.
30.2
0
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.
30.1
1
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.
30
over
30 | 1 Runs | HH: 69/4
29.6
0
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.
29.5
1
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.
29.4
0
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.
29.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Touch full in length, and Bavuma taps this to the point region.
29.2
0
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.
29.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, on off, patted off the front foot by Bavuma to the cover region.
29
over
29 | 1 Runs | HH: 68/4
28.6
0
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.
28.5
0
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.
28.4
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Around off, on a good length, blocked off the front foot by David.
28.3
0
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.
28.2
1
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.
28.1
0
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.
28
over
28 | 1 Runs | HH: 67/4
27.6
1
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.
27.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, An inward shape on that, full in length, Temba Bavuma pushes this to mid off.
27.4
0
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.
27.3
0
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!
27.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Aims the stumps now, on a fullish length. Temba Bavuma respects it and blocks it off.
27.1
0
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.
27
over
27 | 7 Runs | HH: 66/4
26.6
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Responds with a sharp bumper now, which Bedingham decides to dodge. 7 runs off this over then.
26.5
4
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.
26.4
1
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.
26.3
1
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.
26.2
0
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.
26.1
1
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.
26
over
26 | 4 Runs | HH: 59/4
25.6
1
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.
25.5
1
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.
25.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, A bit fullish around off, driven by David to the left of mid off.
25.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Touch fuller from Hoff, aimed at the sticks, David Bedingham prods and pushes this to the mid on region.
25.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Nagging length, on top of off, bunted onto the surface by David.
25.1
2
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.
25
over
25 | 10 Runs | HH: 55/4
24.6
0
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.
24.5
4
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.
24.4
1
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.
24.3
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Full and wide outside off, slanting away, David Bedingham looks to steer it behind point or gully but misses.
24.2
1
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.
24.1
4
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!
24
over
24 | 0 Runs | HH: 45/4
23.6
0
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.
23.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, On a good length, around off, pushed to the off side.
23.4
0
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.
23.3
0
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.
23.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Good length, around off, blocked on the front foot.
23.1
0
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.
23
over
23 | 2 Runs | HH: 45/4
22.6
2
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.
22.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, slanting away, the skipper shoulders arms.
22.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, The length is held back, around middle and off, TB defends it down the track.
22.3
0
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.
22.2
0
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.
22.1
0
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.
22
over
22 | 9 Runs | HH: 43/4
21.6
4
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!
21.5
4
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.
21.4
0
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.
21.3
0
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.
21.2
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Hard length, in and around off, David Bedingham stays back and tentatively pushes it out into the off side.
21.1
1
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.
21
over
21 | 4 Runs | HH: 34/4
20.6
0
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.
20.5
0
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.
20.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Full and just outside off, David Bedingham gets half a stride forward to defend.
20.3
4
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.
20.2
W
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.
20.1
0
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.
20
over
20 | 1 Runs | HH: 30/3
19.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Shortish, outside off, punched towards short mid-wicket.
19.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Slightly fuller, outside off, but Bavuma is happy to block it from his crease.
19.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, A touch short, outside off, spinning in, Temba Bavuma gets right behind the line to defend.
19.3
0
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.
19.2
0
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.
19.1
1
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?
19
over
19 | 2 Runs | HH: 29/3
18.6
2
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.
18.5
0
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.
18.4
0
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.
18.3
0
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.
18.2
0
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.
18.1
0
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.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs | HH: 27/3
17.6
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Outside off, pushed towards point. 8th maiden in 18 overs.
17.5
0
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.
17.4
0
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.
17.3
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Good-length delivery, wide outside off and swinging away a bit, left alone by Stubbs.
17.2
0
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.
17.1
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller in length and around off, Tristan Stubbs gets well forward and solidly blocks it off.
17
over
17 | 1 Runs | HH: 27/3
16.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, This time, Temba gets his feet right to the pitch of the ball and pushes it straight to cover.
16.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, on a length, Bavuma looks to drive but gets beaten.
16.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full and wide outside off, left alone.
16.3
0
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.
16.2
1
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.
16.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Bowled on a good length and in the channel, this one slides straight on and Stubbs shoulders his arms.
16
over
16 | 3 Runs | HH: 26/3
15.6
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
15.5
0
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.
15.4
1
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.
15.3
0
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.
15.2
W
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.
15.1
2
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.
15
over
15 | 0 Runs | HH: 23/2
14.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full, just around off, well defended.
14.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed wide outside off, let through.
14.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, pushed towards point.
14.3
0
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.
14.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length, around off, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards cover.
14.1
0
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.
14
over
14 | 2 Runs | HH: 23/2
13.6
0
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.
13.5
0
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.
13.4
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Wide outside off, coming in, left alone.
13.3
2
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.
13.2
0
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.
13.1
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Landed outside off, on a length, left alone.
13
over
13 | 1 Runs | HH: 21/2
12.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Around off, driven solidly towards wide mid off.
12.5
1
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.
12.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, On a good length, around off, angling away, Wiaan keeps his bat well inside the line.
12.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Action replay of the previous delivery.
12.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, outside off, angling away, Mulder pushes but misses.
12.1
0
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.
12
over
12 | 1 Runs | HH: 20/2
11.6
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Landed around off, the skipper defends.
11.5
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, a touch wider than the previous one, Temba shoulders arms.
11.4
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, around off, Bavuma gets a good stride forward to push it towards mid off.
11.3
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, moving away, Temba Bavuma pushes but misses.
11.2
1
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.
11.1
0
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.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs | HH: 19/2
10.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Full and angled across off, Bavuma squeezes it away towards point.
10.5
0
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.
10.4
0
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.
10.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length again, this time around leg, Temba Bavuma clips it towards the square leg fielder.
10.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good length again and outside off, going straight on, left alone by Bavuma.
10.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good length, pitching well outside off and angling away, Bavuma plays well inside the line.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs | HH: 19/2
9.6
0
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.
9.5
0
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.
9.4
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Pitched-up delivery around off, punched on the front foot but straight to covers.
9.3
0
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.
9.2
0
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.
9.1
0
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.
9
over
9 | 4 Runs | HH: 19/2
8.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length again, but this one is darted well outside the off stump. Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.
8.5
0
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.
8.4
W
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!
8.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, On the fuller side and around off, at 140 kph and shaping away, Rickelton makes a well-watched leave.
8.2
0
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.
8.1
4
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.
8
over
8 | 1 Runs | HH: 15/1
7.6
0
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.
7.5
0
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.
7.4
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length, pitching on off and darting back in, defended from the crease and towards mid-wicket.
7.3
0
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.
7.2
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Hits the hard length now, angling it into the batter, Mulder stays back to defend.
7.1
1
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.
7
over
7 | 0 Runs | HH: 14/1
6.6
0
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.
6.5
0
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.
6.4
0
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.
6.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball, well outside off, left alone by Mulder.
6.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length on off and middle, Mulder sees it late but manages to dead-bat it from the crease.
6.1
0
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.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 14/1
5.6
4
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.
5.5
2
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.
5.4
0
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.
5.3
0
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.
5.2
0
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.
5.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Good length on off, slanting across, Rickelton stays on the front foot and taps it in front of covers.
5
over
5 | 1 Runs | HH: 8/1
4.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Full and swinging it back in towards off and middle, Mulder jams the ball back towards the bowler.
4.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball in the channel, tight around off stump, left alone by Mulder.
4.4
0
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.
4.3
0
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.
4.2
1
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.
4.1
0
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.
4
over
4 | 0 Runs | HH: 7/1
3.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, BEAUTY! Perfect length, just around off, threatens to swing in, but straightens and zips past the outside edge. Maiden!
3.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Nicely bowled! Length ball, in the channel, gently swinging away. Mulder plays well inside the line of the ball.
3.4
0
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.
3.3
0
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.
3.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Pitches this one right up on the off stump line, Wiaan Mulder gets forward nicely and blocks it off.
3.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a hard length, around off, angling in with some extra bounce, Mulder leaves it alone.
3
over
3 | 4 Runs | HH: 7/1
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Similar ball, similar movement. This time RR shoulders arms.
2.5
0
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.
2.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Landed outside off, Ryan Rickelton looks to steer it past gully but hits it straight to the fielder.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Good length around off, played on the up but straight to covers.
2.2
4
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.
2.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, On a good length and pushed towards middle and leg, Rickelton tucks it away to mid-wicket.
2
over
2 | 3 Runs | HH: 3/1
1.6
0
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.
1.5
1
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.
1.4
0
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.
1.3
1
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.
1.2
1
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.
1.1
0
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.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
0.6
W
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!
0.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Fuller, around off, blocked out.
0.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Landed around off, coming in, watchfully defended.
0.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Good length, in the channel and angling away, Aiden Markram lets this one through to the keeper as well.
0.2
0
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.
0.1
0
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?
65
over
65 | 5 Runs | HH: 207/10
64.6
W
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!
64.5
0
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.
64.4
0
Aiden Markram to Josh Hazlewood, Thrown up, around middle and leg, Josh Hazlewood defends.
64.3
1
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Shortish, around middle and leg, Mitchell goes back and works it through square leg for a single.
64.2
0
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Full, around middle, Starc lunges and defends it towards mid-wicket.
64.1
4
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.
64
over
64 | 6 Runs | HH: 202/9
63.6
1
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On middle and leg, this time Starc gets it past short leg for a single at mid-wicket.
63.5
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, clipped through the leg side but excellent work by short leg.
63.4
4
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.
63.3
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A shortish ball, pushed towards cover.
63.2
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight, defended.
63.1
1
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.
63
over
63 | 0 Runs | HH: 196/9
62.6
0
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Down the leg side, MS cannot get it away and is hit on the pads.
62.5
0
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, A bit more leg sidish, Mitchell pushes it towards the bowler.
62.4
0
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Flatter delivery, quicker in pace, pushed back to the bowler.
62.3
0
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Fuller, around off, pushed towards mid-wicket.
62.2
0
Aiden Markram to Mitchell Starc, Fired down the leg side, Starc misses his tuck.
62.1
0
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.
62
over
62 | 5 Runs | HH: 196/9
61.6
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Around middle, nudged to the leg side.
61.5
4
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.
61.4
1
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A short ball, around off, slow in pace, MS pushes it towards cover and takes the single this time.
61.3
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Slightly short in length, outside off, Mitchell lets it pass.
61.2
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Fuller, outside off, Starc drives it to the left of wide mid off. Does not run again.
61.1
0
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.
61
over
61 | 1 Runs | HH: 191/9
60.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Full and straight, 140 kph, Hazlewood gets his bat down to push the ball down the ground.
60.5
0
Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Landed outside off, a touch wide, Josh Hazlewood pushes it towards point.
60.4
1
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.
60.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, Mitchell mistimes his punch wide of deep mid off. Does not take the single.
60.2
0
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.
60.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, Mitchell Starc drives it towards cover.
60
over
60 | 3 Runs | HH: 190/9
59.6
2
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.
59.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, around middle and off, Josh pushes it towards cover.
59.4
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Maharaj switches to around the wicket, tosses it up on middle, Hazlewood blocks again.
59.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Looped up, outside off, 87 kph, Josh Hazlewood defends.
59.2
1
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, Starc pushes it through the covers and takes the single. The stand moves to 40.
59.1
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Tossed up, around off, 83 kph, Mitchell Starc gets a good stride to defend.
59
over
59 | 1 Runs | HH: 187/9
58.6
0
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.
58.5
0
Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, pushed towards cover.
58.4
1
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.
58.3
0
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.
58.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Landed around off, Starc defends it back to the bowler.
58.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Full, on middle, Mitchell Starc clips it towards deep mid-wicket. Does not take the single.
58
over
58 | 0 Runs | HH: 186/9
57.6
0
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.
57.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Around middle and off, just a touch short, Josh Hazlewood pushes it to the off side.
57.4
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, On middle and leg, JH clips it towards short mid-wicket.
57.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, around off, Josh defends.
57.2
0
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.
57.1
0
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.
57
over
57 | 0 Runs | HH: 186/9
56.6
0
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.
56.5
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, on a length, 138 kph, Mitchell Starc punches it towards mid off.
56.4
0
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.
56.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Ngidi switches to around the wicket, bowls it short of full, outside off, Mitchell defends.
56.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle and leg, Starc defends it back to Ngidi.
56.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around off, Mitchell Starc pushes it defensively towards mid off.
56
over
56 | 3 Runs | HH: 186/9
55.6
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Outside off, JH leans and smothers it out.
55.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Full, around off, defended solidly.
55.4
2
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.
55.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, A touch quicker, 84 kph, full around off, Hazlewood defends it towards point.
55.2
0
Keshav Maharaj to Josh Hazlewood, Plenty of loop, outside off, 82 kph, Josh Hazlewood leans and pushes it towards cover.
55.1
1
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!
55
over
55 | 1 Runs | HH: 183/9
54.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Landed outside off, a touch wide, Josh Hazlewood shoulders arms.
54.5
0
Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Full and around off, 137 kph, JH gets his bat down completely to push the ball towards mid off.
54.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Josh Hazlewood, Down the leg side, Hazlewood misses his clip.
54.3
0
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.
54.2
1
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.
54.1
0
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.
54
over
54 | 3 Runs | HH: 182/9
53.6
1
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.
53.5
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Fired in, outside off, Starc looks to punch it through the off side but misses.
53.4
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Floated, outside off, driven towards cover.
53.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Outside off, a touch short, punched towards cover again.
53.2
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Full, outside off, driven straight to cover.
53.1
2
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.
53
over
53 | 1 Runs | HH: 179/9
52.6
0
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.
52.5
0
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.
52.4
1
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.
52.3
0
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.
52.2
0
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.
52.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, 134 kph, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards mid on.
52
over
52 | 3 Runs | HH: 178/9
51.6
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, Josh Hazlewood shoulders arms as the ball dies on its way to the keeper.
51.5
1
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.
51.4
2
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.
51.3
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell pushes it towards cover.
Change of angle. Jansen switches to over the wicket.
51.2
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Similar ball, a touch fuller, Starc plays it down in front of short leg.
51.1
0
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.
51
over
51 | 5 Runs | HH: 175/9
50.6
1
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.
50.5
0
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.
50.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Landed outside off, effort ball, but well outside off, left alone.
50.3
4
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.
50.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, A good short ball, around off, Starc nudges it to the leg side.
50.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around middle and off, Mitchell Starc defends.
50
over
50 | 5 Runs | HH: 170/9
49.6
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Slower ball, short in length, on leg stump, Hazlewood defends it in front of short leg.
49.5
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, Yorker, around middle and leg, well dug out.
49.4
1
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, worked past short leg, to his left and this time, the batters take a single.
49.3
4
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.
49.2
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A bouncer now, outside leg, Starc defends.
49.1
0
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.
49
over
49 | 1 Runs | HH: 165/9
48.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Fast and furious, 142 kph, full and just outside off, Hazlewood pushes it towards cover.
48.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Full on middle, Josh Hazlewood works it towards short mid-wicket.
48.4
1
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.
48.3
0
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.
48.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Lovely ball. On a length, outside off, Starc plays inside the line and gets beaten.
48.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full, around off, Mitchell Starc drives it towards mid off.
48
over
48 | 6 Runs | HH: 164/9
47.6
2
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.
47.5
0
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.
47.4
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, On a length, outside off, JH punches it towards cover.
47.3
0
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.
47.2
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, A bouncer, around off, Hazlewood ducks. That barely bounced.
47.1
4
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.
47
over
47 | 0 Runs | HH: 158/9
46.6
0
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.
46.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc shoulders arms.
46.4
0
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.
46.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, around off, Mitchell pushes it towards cover.
46.2
0
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.
46.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc pushes it towards cover.
46
over
46 | 2 Runs | HH: 158/9
45.6
0
Marco Jansen to Josh Hazlewood, A full toss, down the leg side, JH flicks it through fine leg but does not take the single.
45.5
1
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.
45.4
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, Starc shoulders arms.
45.3
1
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.
45.2
0
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.
45.1
0
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.
45
over
45 | 4 Runs | HH: 156/9
44.6
0
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.
44.5
0
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.
44.4
0
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.
44.3
0
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.
44.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight, Starc defends it solidly.
44.1
4
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.
44
over
44 | 4 Runs | HH: 152/9
43.6
0
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.
43.5
0
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.
43.4
1
Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Just short of a length, outside off, Starc punches it through point for one.
43.3
1
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.
43.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Josh Hazlewood, Full and straight, pushed back to the bowler.
43.1
0
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.
43.1
2
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.
43
over
43 | 3 Runs | HH: 148/9
42.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Josh Hazlewood, Outside off, coming in, this time Hazlewood lets it pass.
42.5
0
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.
42.4
W
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.
42.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Nathan Lyon, Full and straight, watchfully defended.
42.2
1
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.
42.1
2
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.
42
over
42 | 0 Runs | HH: 145/8
41.6
0
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.
41.5
0
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.
41.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Outside off, 132 kph, Nathan reaches out to this one and pushes it towards cover.
41.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Nathan Lyon, Full and just around off, Lyon defends.
41.2
0
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.
41.1
0
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.
41
over
41 | 1 Runs | HH: 145/8
40.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Way too far outside off, lets it go, does Starc.
40.5
0
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.
40.4
0
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.
40.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Similar ball, a bit of extra movement into the batter, Starc lets it pass again.
40.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, On a length, outside off, from around the wicket, Mitchell Starc shoulders arms.
40.1
1
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.
40
over
40 | 6 Runs | HH: 144/8
39.6
0
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!
39.5
2
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.
39.4
0
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.
39.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Full and well outside off, Mitchell Starc leaves it alone.
39.2
4
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.
39.1
0
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.
39
over
39 | 7 Runs | HH: 138/8
38.6
0
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.
38.6
1
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.
38.5
1
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.
38.4
0
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.
38.3
1
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.
38.3
1
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.
38.2
W
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.
38.1
2
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.
38.1
1
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.
38
over
38 | 7 Runs | HH: 131/7
37.6
1
Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Alex Carey now drills this full ball down to long on for a single.
37.5
4
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.
37.4
1
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.
37.3
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Shorter and turning into the left hander, Mitchell Starc stays back and punches it back to the bowler.
37.2
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Full on off, Mitchell Starc prods forward and blocks it off the front foot.
37.1
1
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.
37
over
37 | 6 Runs | HH: 124/7
36.6
0
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!
36.5
1
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.
36.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, A bit full, outside off. Alex Carey works this across to mid on.
36.3
4
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.
36.2
1
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.
36.1
0
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.
36
over
36 | 3 Runs | HH: 118/7
35.6
1
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.
35.5
1
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.
35.4
0
Keshav Maharaj to Alex Carey, Pushed through, full and on middle. Driven into the off side by Carey.
35.3
1
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.
35.2
0
Keshav Maharaj to Mitchell Starc, Another flighted delivery on off stump, Mitchell Starc eases the drive to short cover.
35.1
0
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.
35
over
35 | 6 Runs | HH: 115/7
34.6
0
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.
34.5
1
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Shortish delivery, on the bodyline. Mitchell Starc climbs over it and steers this through mid-wicket for another run.
34.4
1
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.
34.3
1
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!
34.2
2
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.
34.1
1
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.
34
over
34 | 11 Runs | HH: 109/7
33.6
3
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.
33.5
1
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.
33.4
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Strays it down leg on a fuller length. Mitchell Starc misses the flick.
33.3
1
Marco Jansen to Alex Carey, On a length, on middle leg, Alex Carey clips it through the mid-wicket region for one.
33.2
4
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!
33.1
0
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.
33.1
2
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.
33
over
33 | 7 Runs | HH: 98/7
32.6
0
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.
32.5
4
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.
32.4
0
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.
32.3
1
Kagiso Rabada to Mitchell Starc, Overpitched on middle, Mitchell Starc flicks it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
32.2
0
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.
32.1
0
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.
32.1
2
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.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs | HH: 91/7
31.6
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Around the fourth stump line, full in length, Mitchell Starc pushes this to the cover region.
31.5
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Nagging length, around off, tucked across into the leg side.
31.4
0
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.
31.3
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, outside off, Mitchell Starc drops his hands as he leaves it alone.
31.2
0
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.
31.1
0
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.
31.1
1
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.
31
over
31 | 6 Runs | HH: 90/7
30.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good-length delivery, around off. Alex Carey drops this down on the pitch.
30.5
0
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.
30.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Hits the deck hard, straight on off, Alex Carey punches this off the back foot, onto the pitch.
30.3
4
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.
30.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Alex Carey, Good length ball on off, Alex Carey cuts it to straight to cover-point.
30.1
2
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.
30
over
30 | 0 Runs | HH: 84/7
29.6
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Good length, outside off, Starc lets it be.
29.5
0
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.
29.4
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Full and straight on middle, Mitchell Starc drives it towards mid off.
29.3
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, Overpitched on off, Mitchell Starc plays the off drive which goes straight to mid off.
29.2
0
Marco Jansen to Mitchell Starc, A touch full ball, in the channel outside off, Mitchell Starc again shoulders his arms.
29.1
0
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.
29
over
29 | 2 Runs | HH: 84/7
28.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Full and outside off, Alex Carey leans on the ball and drives it straight to the cover fielder. Australia lead by 158 runs.
28.5
1
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, On a hard length, on off, Mitchell Starc steers this off the inner half of the bat, and gets a single at deep square leg.
28.4
1
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Slips in a full toss, around waist height, does Ngidi, Alex Carey leans back and cuts it square of the wicket. Just a single at deep backward point. That's an opportunity missed by Carey. A rare loose ball and not made use of.
28.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Alex Carey on the charge, as he skips down the track and swings his willow. Lungi Ngidi spots it and drags his length back. Alex Carey doesn't quite manage to middle the pull as he gets it off the upper part of his bat and plays it towards mid on.
28.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Overpitched, almost a yorker, just outside off, Alex Carey digs it out as he drives it to short cover.
28.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Full and moving away, in the channel outside off, and again a batter going for the cover drive ends up outside edging it. And again the outside edge falls short of the second slip fielder.
28
over
28 | 4 Runs | HH: 82/7
27.6
1
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Fuller one, on the stumps, a gentle push by Carey to mid on for a single.
27.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Similar delivery, cutting back in sharply, from around off. Alex Carey is trapped in front, searching for room and misses on the inside edge. The ball lobs off the front pad and lands in front of the gully region.
27.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Another sharp nip-backer on a length, angling into the batter and then straightening off the pitch. Alex Carey goes on the front foot to block, but is hit on the front pad.
27.3
3
Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Full and hint of movement into the left hander, on middle, Mitchell Starc swings through the line, as he plays this one, wide of short mid-wicket. The short mid-wicket fielder and deep square leg chase the ball and eventually cut it off near the boundary. Three runs taken.
27.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Length ball again angling into the left hander, this time on the leg stump, Mitchell Starc misses out on the clip as the ball hits his front leg and goes towards the bowler.
27.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Mitchell Starc, Back of a length, angled into the left hander on middle and off, Mitchell Starc pushes it to mid on.
27
over
27 | 4 Runs | HH: 78/7
26.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Length-delivery, around off, Carey leans forward and drives this to the cover region.
26.5
2
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Full and straight at the stumps, Alex Carey gets on the front foot and drives this straight down the ground. Two fielders from the inner ring, from mid off and mid on are after the ball, and eventually, it is Corbin Bosch, from mid on who chases it down before the ropes. Two taken. And as per the on-air commentators, Corbin Bosch is in as a substitute for Kagiso Rabada, who is currently off the field.
26.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Fuller ball, on off, driven by Carey, straight to mid off.
26.3
1
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Length ball on middle, Mitchell Starc works it off the back foot  to the left of short mid-wicket for a single.
26.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, Edged and again the ball lands short of slip cordon! Full and outside off, moving away a little, Mitchell Starc goes for the drive and gets an outside edge that goes on the bounce to Aiden Markram at second slip.
26.1
1
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Full and outside off, Alex Carey drives this off the front foot, square of the wicket. The fielder from deep  backward point runs to his left and cuts it off. Single taken.
DRINKS. A breathless session so far, to say the least. The South African pace attack has blown away the Aussie middle order in a snap. The moment Marnus Labuschagne perished at 17.5 overs, there's been a streak of wickets which has pegged Australia on the back foot. The pressure is right back on the Aussies as they lead by only 148 runs, with just 3 wickets in hand, and that too, with only one proper recognized batter at the crease. The Proteas will be mighty pleased to see the back of Carey before the end of the day's play, and will aim to wrap up as quickly as possible. But, if Australia manage to get their lead past the 200-run mark, things will be different again as batting has just not clicked for both these sides. Alex Carey has shepherded the Aussie tail on several occasions but has a mountainous work cut out for him. Here's Lungi Ngidi who will continue after the hydration break.
26
over
26 | 1 Runs | HH: 74/7
25.6
1
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Spears it full and on off, Alex Carey gets half forward and drives it to the deep cover region for a single.
25.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Back of a length, angling on off from around the stumps. Alex Carey hangs back and taps it out to cover.
25.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Full, aimed at the sticks, blocked by Carey straight back.
25.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Edged and just short! Full and moving away from the left hander, just outside off, Alex Carey goes for the booming drive and gets a thick outside edge, which lands just short of Aiden Markram at second slip.
25.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Length ball on off, Alex Carey blocks it back to the bowler.
25.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Full and angling into the left hander, on middle, Alex Carey clips it to short mid-wicket.
25
over
25 | 7 Runs | HH: 73/7
24.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Mitchell Starc, This one swings away from outside off, Starc leaves it alone.
Mitchell Starc is in at 9.
24.5
W
Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, OUT! BOWLED'EM! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Badly falling apart here, are the Aussies in this Grand Finale! Just like South Africa, Australia are being victims of a dramatic collapse. The Proteas are thrilled to bits, and rightly so! Ngidi cannons in a yorker on the leg stump line, goes straight on. Pat Cummins is cramped for room to work it across into the leg side. Goes for the flick, but inside edges onto the pads and the ball then disturbs the timber. Australia are 73/7 down now.
24.4
2
Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, Again, intent! Back of a length, on off, Pat Cummins miscues his shot, but gets it sliced over cover for a couple of runs.
24.3
4
Lungi Ngidi to Pat Cummins, FOUR! SMASHED! The indication to counterattack from the Aussie skipper. A full ball, outside off, Pat Cummins gets on the front foot and swings his bat hard, hits it through cover and mid off gap for a cracking boundary.
24.2
1
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, A yorker, outside off, squeezed out by Carey to deep point for a single.
24.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Alex Carey, Another appeal for LBW, but the umpire does not entertain this one. However, Temba Bavuma, after giving it some thought, reviews this. This is a length ball, from around the stumps, deviating back in from outside off. Alex Carey looks to work this across to the leg side, but plays over the wrong line. The ball passes close to the inside edge and rams into the front pad. UltraEdge shows no bat involved, but the Ball Tracking saves Carey as the technology shows the ball to be passing over the middle stump.
24
over
24 | 2 Runs | HH: 66/6
23.6
0
Wiaan Mulder to Pat Cummins, Back of a length, outside off and then cutting back in sharply off the pitch. Pat Cummins is cut into half as he gets beaten on the inside edge.
23.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Pat Cummins, Length around off, punched to cover.
23.4
W
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! South Africa right on top now! And another underwhelming return from the dangerous Travis Head and Australia are 66/6 now, staring down the barrel. Wiaan Mulder charges from around the stumps and lands this on the good length, just outside off. It pitches and deviates into the left hander. Travis Head looks to drive off the front foot to the covers, but the bat does not arrive at the right time and the ball thuds his front pad, before crashing into the stumps in a blink. And with that, Australia have just one recognised batter in the middle, in the form of Alex Carey. They lead by only 140 runs. Here's Pat Cummins, the Aussie skipper in the middle.
23.3
1
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, Length ball, climbing over the off stump. Alex Carey punches this wide of mid off for a single.
23.2
0
Wiaan Mulder to Alex Carey, BEATEN! Some extra lift off the deck, just outside off, on a shortish length. Alex Carey goes fishing at it. Tries to play the back foot punch on the off side, but with barely any footwork. Gets beaten past the outside edge.
23.1
1
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Length ball, outside off, Head punches this past cover for a single.
23
over
23 | 6 Runs | HH: 64/5
22.6
W
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, OUT! LBW! Dear, oh dear! This is turning out to be a worrisome-looking scoreboard for Australia now, as they have slipped down to 64/5, with half a side in the pavilion. Ngidi gets his second wicket and the Proteas have bounced back into the contest and how! Lungi Ngidi bowls this on a fullish bit of a length, keeping the line of attack around the off stump. The ball, though, lands and cuts back sharply into the batter. Webster prods forward to block it out, but plays all around the wrong line and the ball passes close to the inside edge before thudding his front pad. An appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger. Beau Webster, however, instantly reviews the onfield decision. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracking comes up with three reds. Beau Webster departs for 9 (11) and Australia lead by 138 runs. Alex Carey is the new batter in for Australia.
22.5
4
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, FOUR! A boundary after a long time for Australia! Not quite convincing, though. Short of a length, around off, nipping away. Beau Webster rises with the bounce to play the back foot punch through covers, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball runs through the slip cordons for a boundary at deep third.
22.4
1
Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Attacks the off stump, does Lungi Ngidi, on a hard length. Travis Head stays leg side and opens the bat face to guide the ball through point. An easy single milked.
22.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Bowls it wide of off, full in length. Travis Head expands his arms to go through covers, but hits it off the bottom half of the bat and bumps the ball back to the bowler.
22.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, A yard ahead of the short length, on off, Travis Head taps this to the left of the bowler.
22.1
1
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Pitched full and jagging back in, around off, Beau Webster punches it through covers for a single.
22
over
22 | 1 Runs | HH: 58/4
21.6
0
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Similar length, but the line is on the off pole, Travis Head mirrors his back foot block from the previous delivery.
21.5
0
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Nagging length, on top of middle. Travis Head defends it off the back foot.
21.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, An appeal for LBW, but were there two noises? Certainly so, and hence, the appeal wanes sooner. Mulder hurls this fuller on the middle and leg stump line, nipping further into the batter off the deck. Travis Head looks to flick this through mid-wicket but gets a faint inside edge onto the front pad.
21.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head, Switches to around the stumps. Full, outside off, Head leans on it and smashes it straight to mid off.
21.2
1
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Slants it into the batter, on the leg stump line, on a length. Beau Webster nudges this to deep square leg for a single.
21.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster, Starts from over the stumps, and lands this full on off, Beau Webster watches it closely and blocks it straight back to the bowler.
Wiaan Mulder returns. 1-0-4-0 so far.
21
over
21 | 3 Runs | HH: 57/4
20.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Around the stumps, shortish length, on off, Travis Head rides the bounce and stabs it on the pitch. Australia's lead reads 131 runs.
20.5
1
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Straight and full, outside off, Beau Webster gets on top of the ball with a prod forward and slaps this to deep backward point for a single.
20.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Nice and full, on middle, pushed to mid on.
20.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, That almost dies off the surface! Full in length, outside off, angling into the batter. Beau Webster attempts to play the front foot cover drive, but gets beaten by the lack of bounce and the ball passes close to the inside edge. One bounce, two bounces to the keeper.
20.2
1
Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, Length delivery, angling on the pads from around the stumps. Travis Head looks to work this on the leg side, in front of square, but gets a thick inside edge and the ball runs down to deep fine leg for a single.
20.1
1
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Back of a length, skids through outside off, Beau Webster gets on the back foot and punches this through cover-point. One taken.
Jansen going off the field now.
20
over
20 | 6 Runs | HH: 54/4
19.6
4
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, FOUR! 'Oi!' screams Head in anguish. Almost a replica of the way he got out in the first innings, to the same bowler. Full and down the leg side, Travis Head cannot control his flick and tickles it behind the stumps. He immediately looks back to see whether the ball is anywhere near to the keeper, Kyle Verreynne. Is relieved that the ball is racing down to the fine leg fence and signals his bat to someone in the dressing room. He can smile now, but he nearly walked into the trap.
19.5
0
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Length ball, at the stumps, Head defends to the leg side.
19.4
1
Marco Jansen to Beau Webster, A length ball, outside off, steep bounce, Beau Webster rises with the bounce and works it through mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA, but at the cost of 4 wickets. From here, even a double of this score would seem like match-winning for them. They lead just by 124.
19.3
1
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Length ball on middle, Travis Head flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
19.2
0
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Length ball well outside off, Travis Head throws his hands at it as he looks to cut it. The ball goes just over his outside edge.
19.1
0
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Length ball, just outside off, Travis Head plays the push to short cover.
19
over
19 | 4 Runs | HH: 48/4
18.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster, Nearly gone first ball! On a length, outside off, Beau Webster looks to defend but the ball comes back in, takes the bottom edge and bounces just over the stumps! Eventful over from Ngidi.
Beau Webster walks in next at number 6, replacing Steve Smith.
18.5
W
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, OUT! LBW! At last, after being criticized for not taking proper reviews, Temba Bavuma gets one bang on! Lungi Ngidi was threatening to do this to Smith on Day 1 as well and eventually, has got this man. The man who lords the Lord's has gone for an unlucky 13. Is this the moment which shifts the Test in South Africa's favour? Just like Labuschagne has been dismissed in similar fashions over the past two years, this is another of a typical way to get rid of Smith. Trap him in front of the stumps and hope that he misses the ball. When he does, it is pure gold. Stuart Broad would have been proud of that. Ngidi comes a bit wider from over the wicket and lands this on a length, outside off and makes it to nip back in. Smith, trying to work the ball to the leg side, gets across, but misses the ball. Is hit on the pads and Ngidi immediately goes up in an appeal. Surprisingly, Chris Gaffaney shakes his head and an excited Temba Bavuma immediately asks multiple opinions regarding the review. No bat, say everyone. Height is fine, say everyone. He signals the 'T' and it returns three reds on Ball Tracking! The moment the impact was deemed to be in line, Smith knew it, shaking his head and trudging off. Eventually, it is the inconsistent bowler who takes the most important wicket. Australia are 48/4 and lead by 122!
18.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Landed outside off, worked towards short mid-wicket.
18.3
2
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length ball, on off, Steve Smith punches it off the back foot through the vacant extra covers region. The man from deep point runs to his right and cuts it off near the boundary. Two runs taken.
18.2
1
Lungi Ngidi to Travis Head, From round the wicket, on a length, just outside off, Travis Head defends it off the back foot to the left of short cover. Single taken.
18.1
1
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length ball on off, Steve Smith pushes it off the crease, into the vacant point region, and calls for a single.
18
over
18 | 1 Runs | HH: 44/3
17.6
0
Marco Jansen to Travis Head, Landed on a length outside off, defended solidly.
Travis Head walks in next at number 5, replacing Steve Smith.
17.5
W
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another similar kind of dismissal for Marnus Labuschagne. Time and time again, he gets off to starts, only to throw it away. Another loose and soft dismissal. Full and wide outside off, Labuschagne reaches out to drive it through the off side but cannot quite get to the pitch of the ball. Also, the feet do not move as much. Gets a thick outside edge and the keeper, Kyle Verreynne, does the rest. Labuschagne is frustrated to no end, as he looks at the heavens. Departs for 22 after facing 64 balls. Australia are 44/3, just not able to string partnerships. They lead by 118.
17.4
1
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
17.3
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Full and wide outside off, Steve Smith doesn't offer a shot as he leaves it alone.
17.2
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, On a length angled in, on middle, Steve Smith gets right behind the line of the ball as he blocks it off the back foot, back to the bowler.
17.1
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, From around the wicket, angling in on a fuller length, in the channel outside off, Steve Smith shuffles a bit and leaves it alone.
17
over
17 | 2 Runs | HH: 43/2
16.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Edged, short! On a length, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes at it and gets a thick outside edge. Luckily for him, it does not carry to second slip.
16.5
1
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, A length ball, outside off, steered with an open-bat face behind point for a single.
16.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, On a length, outside off, Smith pushes it towards mid on.
Seems like Jansen has hurt his left hand. The physio is out in the middle. Just a bit of a taping around the left forefinger.
16.3
1
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Full this time, Marnus Labuschagne gently looks to defend as the ball takes the outside half of the bat and goes past the gully fielder, who puts in a dive but couldn't stop the ball. Single taken.
16.2
0
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length on off, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it towards point.
16.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball on off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it into the ground off the bottom of the bat. Ahh, that one stayed a touch low.
16
over
16 | 1 Runs | HH: 41/2
15.6
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Back of a length, outside off, Steve Smith gets across to defend.
15.5
1
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, 'Yeah, two!' is the call from Labuschagne and Smith turns blindly for the second but is sent back. On a length, outside off, coming in, Labuschagne tucks it through mid-wicket and calls for two but realizes that he had hit it way better than he thought.
15.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off, but too wide to be played at. Marnus Labuschagne is happy to shoulder arms.
15.3
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Marco Jansen bangs this one into the surface as he goes short. Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it as he leaves it alone.
15.2
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, in the channel outside off, Marnus Labuschagne watches it carefully as he leaves it alone.
15.1
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and angling in on the off stump, Marnus Labuschagne defends it to point, with small stride forward.
15
over
15 | 2 Runs | HH: 40/2
14.6
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Not much of a threatening bowling from the Proteas. At a gentle pace, outside off, on a good length. Steve Smith taps it off the back foot onto the strip.
14.5
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Bangs the ball hard on the surface, does Ngidi, on middle, Steve Smith works it across to mid-wicket.
14.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Good length, angling into the batter, tucked away to mid-wicket.
14.3
1
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Length, outside off, Marnus leans back and cuts it along the ground for a single at deep backward point.
Also, there could be a case where Temba Bavuma is forced to bring on his spinners. It is not like Keshav Maharaj or Aiden Markram cannot pick up wickets but don't think Bavuma will take that option at this stage.
14.2
1
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Good length, angled at the leg stump. Steve Smith easily steers this to deep mid-wicket for a single.
14.1
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, That in-between length, on top of the middle, Steve Smith gets behind the line and punches it to mid on.
14
over
14 | 1 Runs | HH: 38/2
13.6
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, a yard behind fuller length. Left alone by Marnus.
13.5
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and wide of off, Marnus Labuschagne reaches for it and pats it to the cover-point region.
13.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit full now, around off, Marnus Labuschagne presses forward and defends it to point.
13.3
1
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Length ball, on the stumps. Steve Smith looks to work into the off side, but chops it off the inside edge and the ball rolls to the square leg region. They cross.
Suspect it won't be long before the batters start to look towards the umpires. They will constantly be shaking their heads, indicate that they cannot see the ball and all that. Eventually, it will come down to the judgement of the two umpires. It has gone fairly dark and if a wicket or multiple wickets fall and then the players are taken off for bad light, the Aussies will certainly not be happy.
13.2
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, BEATEN! Stays around the stumps, does Jansen, angles it into the batter and gets the ball to nip back in from the pitch. Steve Smith weighs on the back foot to punch into the off side, but the ball sneaks through the gap between the thigh pad and inside edge.
13.1
0
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith, Nice and full, around off, Smith pushes this to short cover.
There has been a fair bit of seam movement available from the surface and Lungi Ngidi with his front on action can hit the deck hard and extract the movement out of the surface. He wasn't impressive in the first innings, but he now has a chance to redeem himself. Actually, let's rephrase that. Ngidi was just a bit slow to adapt to the surface in the first innings. He was just getting into rhythm but just then, got taken out of the attack. And as usual, people just look at the scorecard. Here's Marco Jansen from the other end.
13
over
13 | 5 Runs | HH: 37/2
12.6
2
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, Full, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne flicks this comfortably past mid-wicket and hares back for the second run.
12.5
1
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Length, on middle, Steve Smith covers the line and taps it with soft hands, in front of mid-wicket. A quick single taken.
12.4
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Hard length, on top of off, Steve Smith blocks it back to the bowler.
12.3
0
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Nagging length, outside off, nipping back in. Left alone.
12.2
1
Lungi Ngidi to Marnus Labuschagne, On the stumps, 135 kph, Marnus Labuschagne punches this length ball off the back foot, but it goes off the inner half of the bat to square leg. A single taken.
12.1
1
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith, Ngidi starts off from over the stumps, lands it on a hard length, around off. Steve Smith hops across and tucks this past mid-wicket for a single.
Welcome back. Overcast conditions are the order of the hour. Just what South Africa would have wanted. Lungi Ngidi will kickstart things post Tea.
... DAY 2, FINAL SESSION ...
However, the conundrum continues for Australia as their top order has yet again proved to be a bit inconsistent. They slipped down to 67/4 in the first innings, and this time again, they are 32/2. Once again, the onus falls on Steve Smith to anchor Australia’s innings, but he’ll need solid support from the other end. Marnus Labuschagne has looked composed, keeping himself active at the crease. These two will need to build a strong partnership, likely aiming to bat deep into the day and secure a commanding lead. An exciting third session awaits. Will South Africa build on this momentum they have got, or will Australia repair this early damage? We shall find out. The post-Tea session will commence in just about 20 minutes' time. Stick around.
Only one wicket fell in the opening session of the second day, but come the post-Lunch session, South Africa got bundled out within an hour, and also with a good amount of deficit remaining. It was Pat Cummins who lead the damage, also completing 300 Test wickets, and nearly all the remaining wickets were snagged by the Aussie skipper. One was a run out, that of Keshav Maharaj. As a result, South Africa could only score 17 runs when they came back to bat after Lunch, and strikingly, it was a collapse of all sorts as they lost 5 wickets in quick succession.
A 50-50 session, shall we say? Not actually. Australia head into Tea at 32/2, but the real story of the session was the sheer brilliance of their bowling attack. And as similar as the first day, the ball has dominated the bat, again. Before this session, it was even-stevens with Australia and South Africa, both winning two sessions each. Day 2 is considered the best day to bat, not only at Lord's, but in general. However, as dominant as South Africa were in the first session of the day, the second session proved equally disastrous for the Proteas as Australia made a roaring comeback.
12
over
12 | 0 Runs | HH: 32/2
11.6
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, A maiden to end the second session! Fired fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne works this to the cover region. And that will be TEA ON DAY 2! Australia are 32/2, leading by 106 runs!
11.5
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, outside off, Marnus leaves it alone.
11.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Around the stumps, a bit full and angling in from outside off. Marnus Labuschagne strides across to defend, but gets beaten past the edge.
11.3
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Full again, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes this straight to mid off.
11.2
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, around off, Marnus Labuschagne prods forward and blocks it out.
11.1
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Fired down the leg side, on a length. Marnus Labuschagne misses to tickle it away. Kyle Verreynne puts in a full-stretched dive to his left to grab the ball.
11
over
11 | 4 Runs | HH: 32/2
10.6
4
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, FOUR! Shot of a legend! Full, on the stumps, Steve Smith with a full face of the bat, and a prod forward, creams the straight drive to collect his first runs with a boundary.
10.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith, Length ball, on the stumps, tucked to mid-wicket.
Steve Smith walks in next at number 4, replacing Cameron Green. Around 7-8 minutes to go for Tea.
10.4
W
Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN, AGAIN! Told ya, whenever a fast bowler is asked to reload after racing to the bowling crease, he will get grumpy. Green has to bear the brunt of it. 2 balls in the first innings, 2 balls in the second. This time, for a duck. Rabada keeps the line of attack around the off stump, on a yard behind fuller length. The ball lands and then cuts away, deviating from the off stump. Cameron Green charges forward and then tries to block it off the front foot. His bat doesn't arrive in front of the pad, and gets struck behind the front pad, and hence, the ball catches the outside edge and flies straight to third slip where Wiaan Mulder takes a regulation slip catch. The umpires do confirm whether Rabada has overstepped or not, but it is all fine and Australia are 28/2 down now. THE LEAD READS 102.
Rabada comes running in but Green is not ready. Has to reload and that will make him grumpier.
10.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Cameron Green, PEACH! Angles it into the batter and then gets the ball to straighten from the off stump, on a length. Cameron Green makes a tight leave.
Cameron Green walks in next at number 3, replacing Usman Khawaja. Normally, Tea would have been taken by now but because the second session started late due to rain, the break will be pushed back roughly to around 7.50-7.51 pm IST (1420-1421 GMT).
10.2
W
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! The troubles for Khawaja outside his off stump continue. Yet another failure for the veteran. That's why you should give long spells to Kagiso Rabada. He just keeps getting better and better. Picked a 5-for in the first inning, and now, after striving hard for 5 overs, has opened his account in the 6th here. Rabada bowls a length delivery, just around the off pole, and gets it to nip away from the batter. Usman Khawaja tries to block off the back foot, but plays inside the line of the ball. A healthy outside edge is found and Kyle Verreynne does the rest by diving to his left and grabbing a sharp catch. He could have left that alone but because he is shuffling around in his crease, Khawaja feels compelled to play at every ball outside off. Usman Khawaja departs for 6 (23) and Australia's top order's conundrum continues - 28/1, LEAD BY 102.
10.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Around the stumps, tad fuller, on off, Usman Khawaja drives it to short cover.
10
over
10 | 4 Runs | HH: 28/0
9.6
1
Wiaan Mulder to Usman Khawaja, Full and around off, from around the wicket, Usman Khawaja flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.
9.5
1
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, A length ball, outside off, Marnus gets inside the line and helps it behind square leg for a run.
9.4
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Around off, defended towards cover.
9.4
1
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Oohhh... interesting tactic by Marnus Labuschagne. Majority of the balls, not only in the innings, but in the day overall, have not carried to the keeper. So Labuschagne opts to shimmy down the wicket, to try and get the bowler off his length. The ball is on a length, outside off, and it stays low, nipping back in. Labuschagne gets his bat down at the right time, as the ball takes the toe end and goes towards cover, as he looks to flick. Well, it is called a NO BALL by the third umpire for overstepping. Third of this innings and 13th of the match for South Africa. With that no ball, AUSTRALIA'S LEAD TOUCHES 100.
9.3
0
Wiaan Mulder to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball that angles in a bit and then straightens after pitching, the line is in the corridor of uncertainty. Marnus Labuschagne initially looks to play at it, but in the end decides against offering a shot as he shoulders his arms to that ball.
9.2
1
Wiaan Mulder to Usman Khawaja, From round the wicket, good length ball, on middle, Usman Khawaja clips it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
9.1
0
Wiaan Mulder to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length, angling across the left hander, Usman Khawaja shifts his weight on the back foot and plays the pull. He gets it off the toe end of the bat as the ball goes rolling along the ground to short mid-wicket.
Wiaan Mulder is the first change of bowling. Was impressive in the first innings, with figures of 11-3-36-0. At one stage, he had conceded just 6 runs in 6 overs.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 24/0
8.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Outside off, left alone this time.
8.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, That is a cracker. The previous one nipped back in but this one has deviated away. It is all the doing of the slope as Marnus Labuschagne seemed to have covered the line for the flick. But the ball pitched and seamed away. Did a bit too much to get the outside edge, beating it by a fair margin. Labuschagne got turned around, almost entirely.
8.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off, nipping back in, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.
8.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Mixup, safe! A touch full on off, Marnus Labuschagne looks to defend it from the crease, but gets a thick outside edge that goes along the ground to point. Labuschagne looks for a non-existent single and is almost halfway down the track, but Usman Khawaja sends him back. The throw is wide of the stumps at the striker's end and now, Labuschagne looks for the overthrow as well, but it is backed up well by the fielder at mid-wicket. These two might have played with each other for Queensland and in the Big Bash, but because they are mostly together at the international level where they have not opened together before, co-ordination seems to be lacking. Especially with Marnus, who is looking to tap and run at every possible opportunity.
8.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Full and swinging into the right hander, Marnus Labuschagne looks to flick it and gets a big inside edge which goes onto hit his pads. Ahh, the inside edge saved him there, else it would have been plumb.
8.1
1
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, On a length on middle, Usman Khawaja works it behind square towards deep fine leg and takes a single.
8
over
8 | 4 Runs | HH: 23/0
7.6
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, That one comes back in a long way. Landed well outside off, so not much problems for Labuschagne, despite seeing the ball come back in by a long way. Still missed the off stump by a fair bit.
7.5
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, A shorter length now, dropped beside the pitch on the off side.
7.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, outside off, quite wide, left alone.
7.3
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, A low full toss, on off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it square of the wicket, to the left of short cover, who dives to his left and saves potential four runs.
7.2
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, angling in a touch, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
7.1
4
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Elegant! Marco Jansen bowls a half volley, just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne accepts the gifts as he drives this one sweetly through extra covers for a boundary.
7
over
7 | 1 Runs | HH: 19/0
6.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, A touch fuller again, another defense.
6.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Similar ball, close to the off stump, defended solidly.
6.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Fuller, around off, Usman Khawaja drives it towards cover.
6.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, From round the wicket, fuller, around off, Usman Khawaja drives it off the front foot to mid off. He didn't time it well as he got it off the bottom of the bat.
6.2
1
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Again a good length ball, swinging in a little, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it towards deep square leg and takes a single.
6.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne defends it off the back foot, right under his eyes.
6
over
6 | 3 Runs | HH: 18/0
5.6
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, A beauty. Jansen pitches this slightly up, outside off, draws Usman's bat in defense but then, gets the ball to move away from the outside edge.
5.5
2
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, A bit too straight, on a length, Khawaja tickles it behind square leg and runs hard to come back for the second. His first runs after getting off the pair on the 6th ball.
5.4
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, A short ball, a bit wide outside off, this time Usman Khawaja lets it go.
5.3
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length ball, outside off, shaping away a little. Usman Khawaja goes for the pull and misses as the ball goes past his outside edge. Appeal for caught behind and not given. Temba Bavuma consults his bowler and goes for the review. Here's the third umpire on screen. There's a clear gap between bat and ball on the UltraEdge as the ball goes past the bat. The onfield call stays. NOT OUT!
5.2
1
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length on off, Marnus Labuschagne looks to work it into the leg side and gets it off the inside half of the bat, as the ball goes along the ground to deep fine leg. Single taken.
5.1
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, From round the wicket, Marco Jansen lands it on a length, angles the ball into the right hander and gets it to straighten. The line is in the corridor of uncertainty. Marnus Labuschagne looks to play the line as he looks to defend it, The ball straightens just enough to go past his outside edge. Could have been a repeat of the 1st innings dismissal had Marnus got some bat on it.
5
over
5 | 3 Runs | HH: 15/0
4.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Around the stumps, length ball, on off, Usman Khawaja cracks the pull, but straight to the mid-wicket fielder.
4.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Usman Khawaja, Length, on off, patted straight back by Khawaja.
4.4
1
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Shortish delivery, on off and middle, steered to deep mid-wicket for a single.
4.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, A pearl of a delivery! Shortish delivery, just on the off stump, and with a shape away from the batter. Marnus Labuschagne gets squared up a bit and a thick outside edge is found. But luckily for Marnus, the ball just lands short ahead of Kyle Verreynne, the keeper.
4.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length, outside off, no shot offered.
4.1
2
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, BUZZERS! First, there's an appeal for LBW from Kagiso Rabada, which is turned down by the umpire, and then, a run out chance at the batter's end, but Marnus is safe. Rabada gets the ball to nip back into the batter on a fullish length. Marnus brings his bat in front of the pads to block but it passes close to the inside edge, and rolls off the pads to the square leg region. The batters rush through to get the second run as Marco Jansen there moves to his right to mop it up. Marco, with his long levers, stops the ball with a slide and throws it to the keeper, who breaks the stumps in a flash. However, Labuschagne has safely dragged his bat inside the crease at the keeper's end.
4
over
4 | 3 Runs | HH: 12/0
3.6
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, On the fuller side, around off, pushed straight back by Uzzie.
3.6
2
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, on the pads, Marnus Labuschagne clips this to deep fine leg for a single. NO BALL called, again, for overstepping!
3.5
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Another one that shoots across the batter, on a fullish length. Left alone once again.
3.4
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Angled across off, with some extra lift off the deck, on a length. Marnus Labuschagne opts to leave this.
3.3
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, on top of off, Marnus Labuschagne gets on the back foot and punches it on the surface.
3.2
1
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Ah, some shape away from the southpaw, on a length, around off. Usman Khawaja gets a bit squared up and fends the ball to the cover-point region. A quick single taken. This also marks a huge milestone for Usman Khawaja as he completes 15,000 First Class runs.
3.1
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Full, around off, Khawaja with a front foot block.
3
over
3 | 1 Runs | HH: 9/0
2.6
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Another leave as Labuschangne sees this length ball go through from outside off.
2.5
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Some lateral movement for Rabada here as he bowls it outside off, Marnus Labuschagne does the same. Leaves it alone.
2.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Another 'WAIT ON' from Marnus as he blocks this short ball back to the bowler.
2.3
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off, no poke by Marnus.
2.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Ouch! A stinging blow! That must have hurt him, but the batters tend to not show it! Length, cutting back in sharply on middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne looks to leave but is flummoxed and the ball hits right near the box.
2.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Keeps it around the fourth stump line, and gets it to jag back in, on a shortish length. Marnus Labuschagne shoulders arms at it.
2.1
1
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit of a nip back into the batter, on a shortish length, around off. Marnus Labuschagne gets right behind it and knocks it down the pitch. And Rabada has overstepped here as the umpire Richard Illingworth signals for a No Ball.
2
over
2 | 1 Runs | HH: 8/0
1.6
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, At 139 kph, fairly outside off, Usman Khawaja is not touching that. Leaves it alone.
1.5
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Keeps bowling it outside off, on a fullish length, Usman Khawaja lets it be.
1.4
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, This is outside off on a hard length, nibbling away off the deck. Usman Khawaja is not interested to go fishing at that one.
1.3
0
Marco Jansen to Usman Khawaja, Nagging length, angling down the leg stump line. Usman Khawaja gets inside the line and looks to flick but misses.
1.2
1
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit of a shape into the batter, on the thigh pad, Marnus Labuschagne attempts to turn this to the leg side, but does not lay any bat on it and the ball goes off the thigh pad to the deep fine leg region. They complete a leg bye.
1.1
0
Marco Jansen to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs it hard on the pitch, does Jansen, around leg, angling toward middle and off. Marnus Labuschagne drops it onto the surface.
Should be Marco Jansen to share the new ball.
1
over
1 | 7 Runs | HH: 7/0
0.6
1
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch full, on middle and leg, flicked through square leg for a single.
0.5
4
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Outstanding timing! Rabada angles this onto the pads, on a length. Marnus Labuschagne gets forward and flicks this past mid-wicket and square leg for a boundary.
0.4
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, 'NO RUN!!!', shouts Marnus, as he blocks this short ball onto the surface.
0.3
2
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Australia are off the mark and so is Marnus! Hard length, outside off, tapped by Marnus Labuschagne to the deep backward point region for a couple of runs.
0.2
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, Wayward a bit, down leg, on a length. Marnus Labuschagne tries to tickle it past short fine leg but misses. A good diving grab there by Kyle Verreynne, to his left.
0.1
0
Kagiso Rabada to Marnus Labuschagne, KG Rabada starts off with a short delivery, outside off, climbing on the batter. Marnus hops and taps it into the off side.
Just how big is this win for South Africa? We told you their disappointments. But look at whom they have beaten. 1975. 1987. 1996. 1999. 2003. 2006. 2007. 2009. 2010. 2015. 2021. 2023. 2025. These are the years where Australia have featured in an ICC final - that's 13. And how many have they lost before this WTC final? Just the 3 - in  1975, 1996 and their last, was as long as 15 years back, in 2010 against England in the T20 World Cup. So one can understand why were the Aussies branded favourites because they just ramp it up in finals. However, South Africa matched them blow by blow and turn up as deserved winners. That's all we have for you from this WTC final. Hopefully, you enjoyed our coverage and we thank you for your company. Cricket does not end here, with India's tour of England being the next big thing coming up as the next segment of the WTC begins. Apart from that, there are a whole lot of international matches which you will find right here, by just surfing the tabs. Keep doing that and have fun. Until next time, ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Now, a word for the all-time greats of this generation. Khawaja. Smith. Cummins. Starc. Lyon. Hazlewood. A dream for any coach to have all of these players in one unit. They have had a lot of success over the years but just as all good things come to an end, so has this run. We don't think that these blokes would be around for the next ICC event, as we expect a plethora of retirements post the Ashes later this year. This will take time to sink in for Pat Cummins, who has lost his first final as a captain in ICC events. But Australia also need to work on their future and their upcoming series is a chance for that. They begin their next cycle against West Indies, in the Caribbean, on 25th June, 2025 and they will hope to find the next legends. They will do well to admit that they have the bowling but batting has been a concern for them, not just in this match but for over a decade now, with only Smith and Warner being the consistent run scorers for them. And as it turned out, it was the batters who let them down in a big final.
The South African players get together to lift the mace and pop go the confetti and the celebrations begin! The players take a tour around the park and thank the wonderful crowd, which is beside itself. What a wonderful run for South African cricket, across genders and across ages! But that is the thing with them - they are always there and about, but struggle to make it through the final hurdle. They have finally done it, after a long gap, winning an ICC trophy and will hope that this is the start of something big. Just like it was for India - winning the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025 - back-to-back ICC trophies. But harsh as it might be, there is no rest for them, because they head to Zimbabwe, for a proper tour, consisting of 2 Tests followed by a T20 triseries involving New Zealand. That tour kicks off from 28th June, 2025.
The victorious captain of South Africa, TEMBA BAVUMA, says its been a special couple of days. Adds that they have prepared hard for this game and they came in with a lot of belief and they also had a few doubts and he is happy that they played well to get the win. He mentions that it’s a special moment for his  team, for his country and it feels great. He says they have been knocking on the doors for long, they have gone through a lot of heartbreaks, lot of disappointments and the sun has finally shone on them and he hopes this win is one of many. On Rabada, he says, Rabada in a couple of years might be in the ICC Hall of Fame, that’s how good he is. He adds that Rabada was motivated to do well, and he delivered. On Markram he tells it was an unbelievable innings and the character Markram carries is special and adds that Markram delivered in the most Markram way. He says that as a team, South Africa got into the finals and there were doubters around them, that his team had gotten through to the finals through a weaker route and this was the best opportunity to show why they were in the finals. He ends the interview by saying that his country is in a way divided over a number of issues and this win he believes would unite the nation to celebrate together.
The skipper of Australia, PAT CUMMINS, reflects on the defeat and says that things can change quickly and admits it wasn't meant to be for them and was a bridge too far. Points that they didn't do a few things right. Admits that they didn't bat out the opposition after a decent lead in the first innings. Highlights that South Africa didn't give them a chance in the fourth innings. On being asked about the struggles in the top order, Cummins partially agrees to it and says guys have tried well in the last two years in this cycle. Says that the bowlers did very well on the first two days and they gave everything a chance. Appreciates the opposition by saying South Africa showed why they are here and calls them deserved winners, and also points that Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma didn't gave them any chance. Says he loves Test cricket and mentions that it was huge to make it to the final. Accepts that they didn't end up on the right side, but concludes by saying it's been a great week.
South Africa's AIDEN MARKRAM has been named the PLAYER OF THE FINAL, for his breathtaking 136 with the bat in the final innings. On asked about going to bat in the second innings he says that it’s weird how things work out, he got a duck in the first innings and ultimately luck got on his side and it worked out well for him. He says Lord's is a place where every Test cricketer wants to play. He really feels happy that plenty of South African fans were here and it is one of the most special days. When asked about how he went about in the middle, he tells it’s about absorbing the pressure and it was about maximising the scoring options. On playing Lyon on that pitch, he says Lyon is one of the best in the world and it’s not easy to play him and he had a bit of banter with him. On Bavuma’s role and contribution, he tells that Bavuma has always led them from the front specially in this WTC cycle and his runs were absolutely crucial and his overall contribution has been unbelievable.
... THE PRESENTATION ...
Next up, is Ryan Rickelton, who is caught by Kevin Pietersen. On the feeling on Day 3, Rickelton admits that walking out in the 4th innings, chasing 280ish in a final, he was nervous but he also got the feeling that the wicket was easing out. Praises Aiden Markram for playing one of the greatest innings ever seen. Details that just the way Markram handled the pressure and the magnitude of the situation, was special. On the message given by the coach this morning, Ryan says that he was outside, so missed the message, but says that the group was pretty confident what it needed to do. Details that the plan was to look after the first 10 overs where they knew, Australia will come hard at them and then the batters can do their job. Stresses that the guys are confident, there were a few nerves but is happy that the team got over the line.
Kagiso Rabada is up for a chat now, with Kevin Pietersen. Says he cannot describe his feeling at the moment. Reflects that they planned really well and worked really hard and feels they deserved to be in this position. Rubbishes people’s words of not facing tough opponents. Says they beat Australia and had to bring in their A game. Thanks everyone for the support in the end and says it felt like a home game.
Shukri Conrad, the South African head coach, is now with Kevin Pietersen. He says he feels ecstatic for the boys and this win is for South Africa and for everything going around in the country, this win is for them. He tells that they got the best batting conditions and 282 was always going to be a big task but he feels with the two senior pros, in the form of Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram putting on that kind of show, set the game for them. He says he was the one who said Bavuma shouldn't continue on Day 3, but he mentions that players know better than the coaches. Bavuma and Markram didn’t agree with him and Temba went to bat with the injury but it paid off for his team.
It is now time to hear from the emotional Keshav Maharaj who has finally gathered himself up to have a chat with Graeme Smith. He begins by saying it is special and his tears won’t describe what he and his mates feel now. Adds it’s a privilege for them to be able to lift the title and to be a part of it. Appreciates the crowd and says without them, they probably wouldn’t have been in this position. He says he is grateful to each and every supporter and is thankful for everyone who is there to support South Africa. Adds they have stood strong through adversity and as a team they are here, on this day, to raise the trophy that has eluded them for a number of years. Appeals for the fans to support them and hopes that this is just the first stepping stone of greater things to come in the future.
Lungi Ngidi comes up for a chat with Kevin Pietersen. Ngidi says he is speechless right now and when asked about the spell where he got Steven Smith, he says the excitement factor kept him going and Smith is a great player and to get him out it just felt great. When asked about this win, he says it’s been a lot of hard work and the blood pressure is absolutely high and he still feels a bit speechless right now.
Marco Jansen is now up for a chat with Graeme Smith. Jansen says he doesn’t know what to say. Adds he was sitting in the gallery and was just praying and is proud that the boys have got the job done. Mentions that there were a lot of nerves and they were just cheering every single run being scored. On being asked about Markram’s knock, he says it was unbelievable. Says dreams are meant to be achieved and they will celebrate it for long.
Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham are with Kevin Pietersen. Kyle says he feels relieved right now and earlier in the morning, he didn’t want to go to bat and felt the most nervous ever as he went out to bat. Bedingham tells that Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram, the way they went about their batting, made the dressing room calm and it helped big time. He adds that the sun plays a massive factor and accordingly they got the best conditions to bat in the last innings but they will take it. Verreynne says that it means a lot, and he says that the with the whole ground singing, and backing them, he feels a bit emotional right now. Bedingham says its been 27 years but he’s thankful that they got over the line and also thanks everyone who has watched the game from the stands.
There was probably no doubt in South Africa's talent to win this final. But there was always that C-word associated with them and one felt that if the Aussies got a couple of wickets quickly, they could put pressure on the Saffas. Cummins managed to get Bavuma early but Markram was defiant and batted almost till the end. David Bedingham once again showed his composure as he did not allow the pressure to get to him. Markram finished on a magnificent 136 while the skipper Bavuma was superb for his 66. Australia tried hard but just could not find any purchase. Starc picked up 3 wickets but he could have had more wickets with better balls on the previous days.
It should have been a matter of 10 minutes or half an hour at max on Day 3 for the African bowlers but Australia's tail wagged. They batted the whole session with Mitchell Starc top-scoring with a fine unbeaten 58, taking Australia's lead to 281. Once again, Rabada picked up 4 wickets but this time, the out-of-form Lungi Ngidi surprised everyone as he broke through that Aussie middle order, claiming 3 wickets in a marathon 9-over spell on Day 2. Once again, Australia were favourites and became even more so, when they got Ryan Rickelton in the third over and Wiaan Mulder also fairly cheaply. But then, an unexpected drop by Steve Smith of Temba Bavuma turned things around as the Kangaroos struggled to take even a single wicket post Mulder's dismissal. The Proteas did not give any chance after that and ended the day on 213/2, leaving just 69 runs for the final push.
Day 2 too, began well for the Team In Green. Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham got into a wonderful partnership, but just like the Aussies, they also collapsed, from 126/5 to 138 all out. Midas Cummins once again showed his magical touch when the others were down, claiming 6 scalps. At that stage, the critics were all over them like a rash, giving away the advantage and all that, but that anger from the outside turned into motivation for the players as they just blew the Aussies away in their second dig. Australia were 73/7 and down and out, before a late fightback between Carey and Starc took them to some sort of respect to 144/8 at Stumps on Day 2.
The Test could not have started any better for the Proteas, having the Aussies 67/4 at Lunch on Day 1 and although they let it slip in the second session, managed to bounce back to have Australia collapse from 192/5 to 212. Kagiso Rabada was the chief enforcer, taking 5 wickets while Marco Jansen took 3 scalps. For the Aussies, it was the trusted experience of Steve Smith and the talent of Beau Webster to lead a rearguard action. However, towards the end of the day, the Aussies roared back to leave the Proteas reeling at 43/4 at Stumps.
And what about South Africa in this cycle alone? 9 wins and 3 losses in 14 games of this WTC cycle. 8th win on the trot under Temba Bavuma's captaincy. They started this cycle with a win against India, but followed it with 3 successive losses and a draw. At that stage, in mid 2024, things looked very bleak for them but the fighter Bavuma turned it around, winning 7 matches in a row to make it to the final, before taking the final one as well. They came very well prepared into this match and got almost everything in their favour - toss, conditions and the pitch. When they were bowling, barring the third day, it was overcast, while when they were batting, it was more or less sunny. But nothing to take anything from them who were exceptional.
South Africa achieve a three-peat over Australia, becoming a thorn in the Kangaroos' flesh. The Women did it in 2024, when South Africa knocked out defending champions Australia in the United Arab Emirates, in the semifinal of the Women's T20 World Cup. Then, in 2025, in Malaysia, the Under-19 Eves knocked out the Aussies, again in a semifinal. And here, the Big Boys have done it, in the final of the ICC World Test Championship. What an achievement.
They have done it at last! An ICC trophy after more than 2 decades, after winning the Knockout way back in 1998. They have had a number of heartbreaks - 2 quarterfinal exits, 12 semifinal exits and coming second in the final in the 2024 T20 World Cup. But all that is a matter of the past, as they are the new winners of the World Test Championship! After New Zealand in 2021, Australia in 2023, it is now the turn of South Africa, who clinch the mace in 2025.
83.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, SOUTH AFRICA WIN THE MACE! A wait of more than 2 decades has finally ended for the Rainbow nation as the Proteas script history, at the Home of Cricket, Lord's. The trophy drought has ended for South Africa. Emotions and tears of happiness run down the faces of all the South African players in the gallery. A full toss, outside off, angled across, Kyle Verreynne drives this through the cover region and has his bat and arms aloft as the ball travels to the ropes. The celebrations begin from Johannesburg to Cape Town, from Pretoria to Paarl, as they believed, and didn't stop dreaming that this day would arrive one day. And their belief and patience have finally fruited after a long, long wait as South Africa win the World Test Championship 2023-25, defeating Australia by 5 wickets.
83.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, Full toss on the off stump, Kyle Verreynne pushes it back to the right of the bowler.
83.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, Oh, my word! An appeal for caught behind from Alex Carey, but the umpire Richard Illingworth shakes his head. One can understand this shot by Kyle Verreynne, as he tried to finish it off in T20 style. Carey is very certain as he believes he heard something, maybe off the glove or the bat. But Australia don't have any review left. And YES, there's a spike on UltraEdge just when the ball passes close to the gloves. Length ball, on leg, Kyle Verreynne shuffles across and tries to play the scoop shot, but misses.
83.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, Length, across off, Kyle Verreynne rises with the bounce and taps it out to short cover.
83
over
83 | 3 Runs | HH: 281/5
82.6
1
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, THE SCORES ARE LEVEL! Back of a length, outside off, Kyle Verreynne is already standing across the off stump and dabs the ball to the left of the cover fielder. Marnus Labuschagne dives to his left and intercepts the ball. A single taken. All the South African supporters at Lord's eagerly wait as their side is just one run away from glory.
82.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, On top of off, Kyle Verreynne taps this length ball into the off side.
82.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Too full, on the stumps, Kyle Verreynne drives it straight back to the bowler.
82.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Fuller and just around off, pushed off the inner half of the bat, to mid off. Cummins there is a bit wide and makes a diving stop to his right.
82.2
1
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Hard length again, nibbling away from off. David Bedingham opens the bat face late and dabs the ball to the short third region. The fielder from first slip chases it down and the batters cross for a single.
82.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Kyle Verreynne, Hard length, on middle. Kyle Verreynne steers this to deep backward square leg for a single. Just 3 needed to win now.
82
over
82 | 2 Runs | HH: 278/5
81.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, Back of a length, across off, punched through point for a single.
81.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, Length, just outside the off stump. Kyle Verreynne pokes at it, playing away from his body, and gets beaten.
81.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, A wide yorker, across off, Kyle Verreynne tries to dig it out to the off side, but misses to lay any bat on it.
81.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Kyle Verreynne, An inswinger from Starc, full and on middle and leg. Blocked to mid on.
81.2
1
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, One more run closer, are South Africa! A hard-length delivery on off. David Bedingham works with soft hands to the leg side. Cummins at mid on charges towards the ball as he dives forward but does not manage to pick up the ball. Bedingham gets home to the other end with a dive.
81.1
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Full and around the off stump. David Bedingham drives it on the front foot to mid off.
Kyle Verreynne comes in for the finishing touches. Mitchell Starc bowled the first over of the innings. Might be bowling the last over of the final. 13-1-63-3 so far.
81
over
81 | 8 Runs | HH: 276/5
80.6
W
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, OUT! CAUGHT! Well, no one in the ground can believe what has happened, least of all, Aiden Markram. He makes a very slow walk off the field. With 6 needed to win and Hazlewood dishing out a length ball, this had six written all over it. Instead it is an anti-climatic wicket. This is a length ball, angled at the leg stump line. Aiden Markram looks to heave this across, but mistimes it off the inner half of the bat, and the ball goes flat towards the right of mid-wicket. Travis Head throws himself with the dive, with both his hands towards the direction of the ball. Falls over but maintains the ball in his hands. The South African players in the Lord's gallery get aloft in applause for this historic knock from Markram. Also, a display of good sportsmanship from the Aussies as almost all players walk towards Markram to appreciate his batting. Markram finally makes it to the Long Room of Lord's and is cheered by the members there as well as he ascends the stairs.
Boos from the crowd. Hazlewood comes running in but then backs off just before reaching the bowling crease.
80.5
1
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Within a distance of a hit now, are South Africa! Back of a length, around off, David Bedingham punches this through cover-point for a comfortable single.
80.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Fuller, around off, David Bedingham pushes it gently to mid off.
80.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to David Bedingham, Nagging length, shaping away, outside off, David Bedingham gets beaten on the cut shot.
80.2
3
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Into single digits now! Fuller ball, again on the stumps, Aiden Markram flicks this off the front foot, again wide of mid on. But this time, the timing is not that good and the ball loses its steam on the way to the ropes. The batters cross for the third by the time the fielder from the inner ring gets to the ball. Just 7 needed now.
80.1
4
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Extremely positive batting from Markram as he greets the new ball in style. Just 10 runs needed for South Africa to script history! A full ball, on middle and leg, straight on. Aiden Markram flicks this a bit uppishly, wide of mid on to his right, for a boundary.
Will Cummins take the second new ball? Yes, he does. Does not want to throw in the towel at all. Josh Hazlewood to bowl. 17-2-47-0 so far.
80
over
80 | 1 Runs | HH: 268/4
79.6
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, On middle, clipped to short mid-wicket.
79.5
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Another appeal for a catch at short leg. Turned down again. Slightly short in length, Bedingham looked to flick it away and the ball went off something towards the keeper, who parried it to short leg. Marnus Labuschagne was very confident this was out, but the umpire was equally confident that this was not out. The replay shows that the ball went off the waist of Bedingham.
79.4
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Outside off, punched towards point.
79.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Another tossed up delivery, outside off, David Bedingham defends it off the front foot.
79.2
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Flighted delivery on off, David Bedingham flicks it to short square leg.
79.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Overpitched on off, Aiden Markram goes for the slog sweep, but doesn't quite get it off the middle of the bat, as he ends up hitting it along the ground to deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
We are approaching the Lunch break. But because there are only 15 runs left, if those runs don't get scored before 1130 GMT, play will be extended by another 15 minutes.
79
over
79 | 2 Runs | HH: 267/4
78.6
0
Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Outside off, on a length, David Bedingham arches back and punches it towards cover.
78.5
1
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Short again, outside off, slapped through point for one more.
78.4
1
Beau Webster to David Bedingham, A touch short outside off, punched through point for a single.
78.3
0
Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Length ball, tailing in a bit, just outside off, David Bedingham defends it off the back foot.
78.2
0
Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Back of a length, on off, David Bedingham blocks it back to the bowler.
78.1
0
Beau Webster to David Bedingham, Length ball on middle, David Bedingham works it towards short mid-wicket.
Seems like 'The Big Three' are done. Beau Webster to bowl now. The keeper is upto the stumps.
78
over
78 | 1 Runs | HH: 265/4
77.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full, around off, Markram works it on the bounce to short leg where Travis Head fields, to ironic cheers at the Lord's.
77.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Massive shout for LBW. Turned down. No reviews left for Australia. But seemed to be going down any which ways. Quicker ball, outside off, Aiden Markram looks to play that from the crease but the ball pitches and spins in pretty sharply, catching him in front of the stumps. Too much turn. Ball Tracking shows the ball to be clipping the top of leg stump.
77.4
1
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full, outside off, David Bedingham leans across and works it through mid on for a single.
77.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full and just outside off, David Bedingham stays back and blocks it off the back foot, right under his eyes.
77.2
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Boos around the ground! This was a shorter off break on middle, David Bedingham went for the flick and hit it towards forward short leg. Travis Head looked to stop it with his right foot and it bounced off his toe, and he took it on the rebound. Australia appealed but the umpire was not sure. Referred it upstairs. Here’s the third umpire on screen. Oh, the slow motion video clearly shows that the ball has hit the ground before bouncing on Travis Head's toe. NOT OUT!
Is that a catch? Australia are appealing for a catch at short leg. David Bedingham is going nowhere. Umpire Richard Illingworth is not too sure either and sends it upstairs. Here comes the replay. Just bounced before Travis Head at short leg.
77.1
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Full on middle, David Bedingham flicks it off the front foot to short mid-wicket.
77
over
77 | 7 Runs | HH: 264/4
76.6
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, On a length, outside off, Aiden Markram punches it through the covers but cannot get it past the Rock Of Gibraltar - Marnus Labuschagne - who dives to his right and makes another stop.
76.5
1
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, A bit too straight, tucked towards fine leg for a single.
76.4
4
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, FOUR! FABULOUS! What a glorious shot that is. Just the third boundary this morning and that is as good as it gets. Fuller, around middle and off, coming in, David Bedingham offers the full face of his bat and drives it straight back past the bowler, through mid on! 19 needed now!
76.3
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Pace off, off cutter, on a length, outside off, David Bedingham cuts it straight to cover-point.
76.2
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Length ball on middle, Aiden Markram flicks it to the right of mid on and takes a single.
76.1
1
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Length ball seaming in on off, David Bedingham looks to defend it off the front foot and gets it off the outer part of the bat as the ball rolls along the ground to the left of cover-point. Batters take one.
76
over
76 | 5 Runs | HH: 257/4
75.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full, around off, Markram leans and flicks it towards short mid-wicket.
75.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Quicker, around off, Aiden Markram looks to force it through the off side, by moving to the leg side but gets a bottom edge back down the pitch.
75.4
1
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Shortish, outside off, spinning in, David Bedingham goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
75.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Short and on off, Aiden Markram plays the square cut towards deep point for a single.
75.2
3
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Slower through the air, tossed up, just outside off, David Bedingham prods forward and tickles it fine as he plays this one with the spin. The ball runs down towards the fine leg region. Mitchell Starc at short fine leg puts on the chase and cuts it off near the boundary. Aiden Markram who has been there for 195 balls calls for the third and completes it as he runs towards the danger end.
75.1
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Short and outside off, turning in on off, David Bedingham stays back and punches it straight to cover-point.
75
over
75 | 2 Runs | HH: 252/4
74.6
1
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Back of a length, on the fourth stump, David Bedingham leans forward and works the ball to the mid-wicket region. Hits it more off the inner half of the blade and sets up for a quick single. Starc, from mid on gets to the ball and this allows them to cross over. South Africa need 30 more runs to win now!
74.5
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, This one just does not lift up, around off, full in length. David Bedingham negotiates well and stabs it onto the pitch.
74.4
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Nagging length, wobbling away from off, David Bedingham taps it out to the off side.
74.3
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Full and straight on middle and leg. flicked to mid on by Markram.
74.2
0
Pat Cummins to David Bedingham, Hard length, on top of off. David Bedingham blocks the ball off the back foot.
74.1
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, around off, Aiden Markram rises with the bounce and punches it behind cover-point for a single.
Pat Cummins comes back for one last burst in this WTC cycle. 15-0-50-1 so far.
74
over
74 | 3 Runs | HH: 250/4
73.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Pitched fuller and on middle. Aiden Markram drills this down to long on for a single. 250 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA, and a huge cheer echoes across the Lord's as the Proteas need 32 runs to win, with 6 wickets in hand.
73.5
1
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Not too full and not too short, outside off, David Bedingham rocks back and cuts it between cover and point. The point fielder runs after it and stops it as the batters cross.
73.4
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Shorter one, outside off, punched to mid off.
73.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Flat and on a length, on off, punched back by David to the bowler.
73.2
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Spinning in sharply, from outside off, David Bedingham gets inside the line and tucks it to mid-wicket.
73.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Drops it on a shortish length, outside off. Aiden Markram makes room for him by backing away and cuts it to deep point for a single.
73
over
73 | 5 Runs | HH: 247/4
72.6
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Length, on off and middle. Worked to mid-wicket.
72.5
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, A loud appeal for LBW from Starc but the umpire does not entertain this one. Alex Carey is sprinting towards Starc and Cummins too, joins in the conversation. With only one review remaining, the Aussie skipper does opt for it. And fairly, that stayed a bit low as well. Starc stays around the stumps and lands the ball on a yard behind the fuller length. It pitches and nips back into the batter as David Bedingham tries to work it across, lifting his front leg up, just like that 'Nataraja' shot. But misses as the ball stays low. Now, here is acceptance. The moment the Aussies see the first replay, they start going back to their positions. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows the impact to be outside the off stump. Australia have now used all their reviews. In hindsight, if the match situation had not been so, Australia might not have used this review. But they don't want to leave any stone unturned and keep fighting till the last ball.
72.4
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Starc goes for a yorker, but it comes out as a full toss, on off. David Bedingham pushes this to mid off.
72.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Length ball, on middle, Aiden Markram works this across through mid-wicket for one.
72.2
3
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Excellent running! Back of a length, outside off, David Bedingham waits for it to arrive and opens the bat face late. Guides the ball to the deep third region. The batters cross for the second hard, and by the time the fielder gets there to deep fine leg and picks the ball, they cross for the third as well.
72.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Nice stop there as this was travelling at the rate of knots! Marnus Labuschagne is the man, who makes a sharp diving stop. Markram cracks the drive on this full ball, but Marnus Labuschagne at cover, dives to his right and makes a half stop, parrying the ball to his right. The batters take a single. That definitely stung and Labuschagne is wringing his hands in pain. Just has a check at his right index finger, to see if there is any damage and the physio is ready to come out for assistance but Marnus sends him back.
72
over
72 | 0 Runs | HH: 242/4
71.6
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, A maiden! Fourth one for Lyon! Full and around off, David Bedingham flicks this to mid-wicket.
71.5
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Flatter, on the stumps, on a length. steered to the leg side. The ball ricochets off the pads of the short leg fielder and rolls just behind him.
71.4
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Slows it up, does Lyon, on a length, keeping it outside off, again. DB hangs back and taps it to short mid-wicket again.
71.3
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Tossed up fuller and outside off, spinning in. Clipped by David to short mid-wicket.
71.2
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, The length is pulled back, just outside off. Bedingham plays with soft hands and tucks it to short mid-wicket.
71.1
0
Nathan Lyon to David Bedingham, Fuller, outside off, straight on, David Bedingham lunges forward and pushes it back to the bowler.
71
over
71 | 2 Runs | HH: 242/4
70.6
1
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Fuller and around off, David Bedingham pushes this gently through backward point for a single.
70.5
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, Good length, around off, nipping away. David Bedingham punches this solidly to short cover.
70.4
0
Mitchell Starc to David Bedingham, BEAUTY! Starc fires this one fuller, and just outside off, straightening up a bit, and stay low. David Bedingham tries to defend but gets beaten past the outside edge.
David Bedingham walks in next, at number 6, replacing Tristan Stubbs.
70.3
W
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Cleaned him up! Australia still believe and fight hard! Starc gets his third! Starc hits the hard length, but this time, it is a bit fuller than the previous delivery, and the line is around the off stump. It lands and nips back into the batter. Tristan Stubbs leans onto the ball to block it out, but plays over the wrong line as he misreads the ball jagging back into him. Creates a gap between the bat and the pad which is enough for the ball to sneak through and it clips the bails of the leg stump. Stubbs departs now and South Africa are 241/4, needing another 41 runs to win.
70.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, An appeal for caught behind from Alex Carey, who is the only one interested. The umpire shakes his head. Mitchell Starc is uncertain and enquires with the keeper whether he heard the nick. Pat Cummins does opt for a review. Short of a good length, cutting across the batter from off, going down leg. Stubbs shapes to go for the pull but misses and Carey grabs the ball behind to his left. UltraEdge shows nothing and Stubbs stays. To be fair, there was a bit of a noise as the ball went past the glove and even in the replays, the ball appeared very close to the glove.
70.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A nip-backer on a length, around off. Aiden Markram stays on the back foot and cuts this between point and cover for a single.
70
over
70 | 2 Runs | HH: 240/3
69.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, That's beautifully bowled. Flighted, outside off, Stubbs is caught into lunging for the drive but the ball pitches and then spins past the outside edge.
69.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Short, outside off, spinning in a long way, Tristan Stubbs works it towards short mid-wicket.
69.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Hmmm... first innovative stroke this morning. Guess the talk in the Drinks break would have been that let's finish off this job now. Tristan Stubbs is not one who is going to block many balls. He tries to make things happen. Attempts the reverse sweep but the ball lands on the rough outside off and darts through, taking the bottom edge back onto the pitch.
69.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Overpitched, and well outside off, Tristan Stubbs eases the drive to mid off.
69.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Nicely tossed up, just outside off, Aiden Markram pushes it towards mid off and calls for a single.
69.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Shorter on middle, Tristan Stubbs works it off the back foot along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
DRINKS BREAK. Slow proceedings this morning. Just 25 runs in 13 overs, for the loss of Temba Bavuma. Australia have not given away much, while South Africa are prepared to grind it out and not give it away either. There has been a bit happening from the pitch side and the Proteas do not want to do anything which might result in a collapse. Just 44 more needed now.
69
over
69 | 3 Runs | HH: 238/3
68.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Direct hit would have had Stubbs! Mini chance for Australia. Full, outside off, Stubbs comes forward and pushes it towards mid off. For some reason, he wants that quick single on the last ball before the Drinks break. It is Pat Cummins at mid off who quickly gets to the ball and releases the throw as quickly as well, at the bowler's end. Stubbs dives but is well short of his crease. Luckily for him, the throw misses the stumps.
68.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, A short ball now, Aiden Markram takes on the delivery which barely comes up to chest height. Pulls it comfortably over square leg. Does not time it that well, which allows Josh Hazlewood to jog across from deep backward square leg to his left to get to the ball. Strangely, just a single taken.
68.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, A touch wider outside off stump, 140 kph, Tristan Stubbs reaches out and pushes it behind point for a single.
68.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Back of a length, on off stump line, Tristan Stubbs pushes it off the back foot to mid on.
68.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Back of a length, angling in around off, Tristan Stubbs blocks it into the ground.
68.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball on off, Tristan Stubbs blocks it off the back foot to short cover.
68
over
68 | 2 Runs | HH: 235/3
67.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Outside off, fuller, pushed towards short mid-wicket.
67.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, This one bounces sharply, from outside off, from slightly short of a length, Markram is surprised by the sudden bounce but manages to work it wide of short leg, towards short mid-wicket.
67.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, outside off, Aiden Markram gets a big stride to meet the ball.
67.3
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Flighted delivery on off, Aiden Markram looks to drive it and gets a thick outside edge that goes wide of the first slip fielder and runs down towards the deep third region. The deep backward point fielder runs to his left and cuts it off near the boundary. Two runs taken.
67.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full on off, Aiden Markram blocks it off the front foot.
67.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Slower through the air, shorter, pitches well outside off, and turns in big time, coming on off stump, Aiden Markram rocks back and somehow manages to get some bat on it as he under-edges it.
67
over
67 | 0 Runs | HH: 233/3
66.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, On the money, just on off stump, Stubbs defends. Now. that's a rarity, a maiden for Starc.
66.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Outside off, pushed into the covers.
66.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Full and just outside off, Tristan Stubbs pushes it down towards mid on.
66.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball angled into the right hander, on off stump,  Tristan Stubbs blocks it to short cover and screams out a loud 'NO'.
66.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, Length ball, angling in on off, this time Tristan Stubbs defends it off the crease to short cover.
66.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Tristan Stubbs, From round the wicket comes Mitchell Starc, lands it on a length, well outside off, the ball seams away a touch. Tristan Stubbs throws his bat at it and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Double change. Mitchell Starc to bowl from the other end. 9-0-53-2 so far.
66
over
66 | 1 Runs | HH: 233/3
65.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, That spun a mile. Pitched well outside off, on a shorter length, Stubbs waited for the ball to come in before working it through mid-wicket, for a single. 49 more needed for the win now.
65.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Flighted, outside off, Stubbs gets back and across to block.
65.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, A touch short, outside off, spinning in, Tristan Stubbs goes back and punches it back down the ground. Lyon himself stops it.
65.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Full, off break, on off, Tristan Stubbs blocks it off the front foot.
65.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, BEATEN! Tossed up, well outside off, Tristan Stubbs looks to defend it off the front foot, playing for the turn, but the ball didn't land in the rough and went straight with the arm, and past the outside edge.
65.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and around off, Tristan Stubbs stays back and blocks it, back to the bowler.
Here comes the first change of the morning. Nathan Lyon to bowl. 18-3-51-0 so far.
65
over
65 | 5 Runs | HH: 232/3
64.6
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Straight and full, on middle. Markram defends it back to the bowler.
64.5
4
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Proactive, is Markram! Cummins bashes this a bit too short, on the bodyline. Aiden Markram picks the length in a trice and pulls this behind square leg for a boundary.
64.4
1
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, A desperate review by Australia, not wanting to let any chance go. Just that this never looked like one. Length ball, angling at the pads, slanting in further. Stubbs shaped to work it to the leg side, but plays over the wrong line and the ball passed close to the inside edge before rapping him on the front pad. It then rolled to the square leg region and the batters crossed for a leg bye. Cummins started to appeal a bit late but umpire Chris Gaffaney moved away. Without any discussion with his keeper, Patrick decided to review. UltraEdge shows no spike and the Ball Tracking shows what we assumed. Passing outside and over the leg stump.
Little bit of drama. Pat Cummins has reviewed against an LBW decision. Seems to be going down the leg side to the naked eye. Didn't look that close in live action either, so it might just be a use of the review for the sake of it. Yes, going down the leg side, review lost.
64.3
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller ball, outside off, Tristan Stubbs strides across to defend it to short cover.
64.2
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Length, on off, punched to short cover.
64.1
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, A bit fuller in length, on middle and leg. Tristan Stubbs pushes it straight back and the ball hits the stumps at the other end. Cummins did try to get some part of his hand on the ball by bending, but can't do so as he runs a bit too wide in his followthrough. Markram, at the other end, was certainly out of his crease when the ball crashed into the stumps.
Nathan Lyon is warming up. For now, Cummins to bowl his 5th over of this spell.
64
over
64 | 0 Runs | HH: 227/3
63.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Aims the sticks, does Josh, right on middle, Aiden Markram defends this full ball. A maiden from Josh Hazlewood, his second, and only the fifth maiden in the entire innings so far.
63.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, around off, Aiden Markram with the back foot punch into the off side.
63.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Fuller, on off, pushed to mid off.
63.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Hazlewood and Cummins are certainly asking some questions to the batters! This is touch full, at the stumps, holding its line with an extra lift. Aiden Markram looks to play the on drive, but has to adjust to keep it out to the off side due to the extra bounce.
63.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Fuller, on the fourth stump, Aiden Markram presses ahead and defends onto the pitch.
63.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, around the leg stump. Tucked to short mid-wicket by Markram.
63
over
63 | 2 Runs | HH: 227/3
62.6
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, On a length, on off, another block by Stubbs. He looks for a single as the ball rolls into mid off, but Markram is not interested at all.
62.5
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Straight on the stumps, full, Tristan Stubbs defends it out to mid on.
62.4
2
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Shortish delivery, angling onto the pads. Tristan Stubbs hops across inside the line of the ball and nudges this through square leg. By the time Josh Hazlewood mops it up to his left from deep fine leg, Markram and Stubbs cross each other twice.
62.3
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Fuller and straighter, outside off. Tristan Stubbs drives this to short cover.
62.2
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Ahh, this one cuts away from the batter, on a length, around off. Tristan Stubbs is squared up and hangs his bat to punch it down, but the ball flirts past his outside edge as it moves away. It doesn't carry, as Alex Carey has to collect the ball on a bounce.
62.1
0
Pat Cummins to Tristan Stubbs, Speared in full, and on off. Tristan Stubbs with a firm block on the front foot.
Some information coming from the Lord's cricket ground. If the match ends under 15 overs, the spectators would get a complete refund of the day's ticketing money. If the game ends between the 16th and the 30th over, they will get back half of their ticket price.
62
over
62 | 3 Runs | HH: 225/3
61.6
1
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Good length, on middle, just springing off the deck a bit, Tristan Stubbs tucks it across wide of mid on for a single.
61.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Nice and full, straight on, around off. Tristan Stubbs gets on the front foot and defends it to mid off.
61.4
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Short of a good length, on top of middle and off, Aiden Markram gets on the toes and steers this to the mid-wicket region for a quick single. Every run is being cheered now.
61.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Now, the line is on the stumps, with length the same, behind full. Aiden Markram opens up a bit to tap it out to the cover region.
61.2
1
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, In-between length, just in the vicinity of the off pole, nibbling away. Tristan Stubbs gets on the back foot and punches it through backward point for an easy single.
61.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Good length, outside off, Stubbs gets on top of the ball to block it, off the inside half of the bat.
61
over
61 | 4 Runs | HH: 222/3
60.6
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, In front of the sticks, full, Aiden Markram with the front foot block to mid on. South Africa need 60 more runs to win, with 7 wickets in hand.
60.5
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Cummins goes full, attacks the stumps, Aiden presses forward and defends it out to mid off.
60.4
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, deviating a shy bit away, on off. Aiden Markram blocks it right under his eyes.
60.3
4
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Positive batting! Back of a length, outside off, cutting away from the batter. Enough width for Aiden Markram to rock back and punch it through cover-point for a boundary.
60.2
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, BEATEN! This is that inviting line and length, fraction full and outside off, nipping away off the deck. Aiden Markram almost falls for the trap as he gets forward, not enough to get to the pitch of the ball, though. Goes for a cracking cover drive, only to get beaten past the outside edge.
60.1
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Hits the deck really hard, does Patrick, on top of off. Aiden Markram replies with a back foot punch, onto the pitch.
60
over
60 | 1 Runs | HH: 218/3
59.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Full, just outside off, defended solidly towards cover.
59.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Full and straight, TS pushes it towards mid on.
59.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Just on a length, outside off, Tristan defends is solidly.
59.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, Huge shout for LBW, but umpire Richard Illingworth shakes his head. No one interested in reviewing, as that seemed to be sneaking down. On a length, around off, nips back in sharply, Stubbs is caught in his crease as he looks to flick and misses, getting hit on the pads.
59.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Tristan Stubbs, On a good length, around off, coming in, Tristan Stubbs pushes it defensively towards mid off.
59.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Short and wide outside off, Aiden Markram slaps it behind point for a single.
Tristan Stubbs walks in next at number 5, replacing his skipper, Temba Bavuma.
59
over
59 | 3 Runs | HH: 217/3
58.6
W
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Pat Cummins strikes early this morning. Finally a wicket for Australia, after waiting for more than 41 overs. Cummins and Hazlewood have been honing that length just short of full, with the line just outside off. That means, the batter has to play at that. Temba Bavuma does so but the ball then moves away slightly, a fraction late. That is enough, to take the outside edge and the keeper, Alex Carey, does the rest. The Lord's stands up as one for the inspirational Bavuma as he walks back for a fantastic 66, which is no less important than the centurion at the other end. The 147-run stand has been broken. South Africa are 217/3 and need another 65 for victory.
58.5
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, Bavuma defends it down the track.
58.4
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length pulled back, outside off, Temba Bavuma looks to punch but gets a bottom edge towards cover.
58.3
3
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Fine shot. Fractionally fuller, outside off, Aiden punches this down the ground, through mid off. Marnus Labuschagne is a bit wide at that position and has to run after the ball. Gets to it near the ropes, puts in a slide and returns the throw. Good hobble by Bavuma to help his partner for the third run.
58.2
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Now this stays low. Similar length, Markram looked to play the cut on the back foot but the ball hardly went above the shin and bounced well in front of the keeper, Alex Carey.
58.1
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, That bounced. On a length, outside off, Aiden Markram was looking to meet it on the front foot but was taken aback by the sudden lift. Managed to keep his hands down and fend it on the ground to the off side.
58
over
58 | 0 Runs | HH: 214/2
57.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed just in the line outside off, on a length, the skipper gets right behind it to push the ball towards mid on. Just the 4th maiden in this innings and the first by anyone other than Nathan Lyon.
57.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, outside off, TB stays back and pushes it towards cover.
57.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length, just outside off, stays low a fraction, the skipper gets back to block.
57.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Fuller, slightly wider outside off, coming in with the angle. Temba lunges and shoulders arms.
57.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Similar ball, moving away late. But this time, Bavuma, learning from the previous delivery, keeps his bat inside the line of the ball and lets it pass.
57.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Super start first up. On the money, just outside off, Temba Bavuma looks to defend but the ball pitches and then moves away late, to beat the outside edge.
Josh Hazlewood to have one last go this cycle. 13-0-43-0 so far.
57
over
57 | 1 Runs | HH: 214/2
56.6
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, On a good length, outside off, moving away slightly, Aiden Markram gets right behind the line to block.
56.5
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, The length is pulled back and Markram defends it to the leg side.
56.4
1
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, The first run of the day! Slightly overpitched, outside off, Temba leans and pushes this wide of cover for a single. He is still hobbling. Just a few minutes more and he would not even remember that pain.
56.3
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, This one nips back in from outside off, Bavuma looks to flick from the crease but misses and is hit on the pads. Ooohhs and aahhs from the Aussies but that was going down leg.
56.2
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.
56.1
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, A huge roar! No, it is not a boundary or a wicket. Just feel that there are a lot of South Africans at Lord's this morning and they are going to cheer each and every ball. A length ball, around off, Temba Bavuma defends solidly.
The players and the umpires stride out to the middle for one last time in this Test and the WTC final. A friendly chat between Cummins and Markram as the Aussie captain shapes up to start off this morning, to his opposite number. The mood still looks sombre in the Australian unit and the bubbly Marnus Labuschagne is trying his level best to cheer everyone up. Finally, Usman Khawaja appreciates it and gives a nice smile. 'Play, gentlemen!' is the call and here we go!
It is the turn of Australia's assistant coach, DANIEL VETTORI, or fondly as he is called, 'Dan The Man', to ring the bell at Lord's this morning. He has a smile on his face but deep within he would have been disappointed with the way his 'current' team batted in this Test. Bavuma and Markram are already out near the boundary while the Aussies, understandably, with sombre faces, take their own time to come out of the dressing room. Ahhh... finally see someone smile - Cameron Green - disappointing it will be for those blokes, no doubt, to not dominate in a final, but you can't be giving up even before the contest begins. And more importantly, this is just a game and one needs to just enjoy it, irrespective of the result.
The statistics paint a clear picture of how conditions have evolved at Lord's. Those first two days were an absolute minefield with 28 wickets crashing down, but then things settled considerably with only four wickets falling across 81 overs while 276 runs were accumulated on Day 3. It’s fascinating how Test cricket can shift like this, one day the fast bowlers are running through sides, the next they’re toiling away, wondering where their assistance went. Also, batting wise, in this Test, there's been only one centurion, in Markram, and only one century partnership, between Bavuma and Markram, unbeaten. Come Day 4, it’s all about who wins the first thirty minutes. The mace is calling, and we are inching closer to finding the victor. Sit back and relax for the climax of this WTC Finale. To witness history in the making. The first ball is just a few minutes away...
What really stood out was watching their lower middle order batters and tailenders dig in when everything seemed lost. Being 73/7 is the kind of scoreline that usually signals a quick trip back to the pavilion, but these guys had other ideas and showed some real character with the bat. You could sense the pitch was becoming a bit more forgiving as the match wore on, as Day 3 definitely looked friendlier for batting under sunny skies, as compared to the first two days when the ball dominated the bat.
But here’s the thing. Australia ain’t going down without a fight. And if there’s one thing we know about this team, it’s that they’re never truly beaten until the last ball is bowled. Sure, the conditions haven’t exactly been their best friend this time around, and yes, they’re in a pretty tight spot right now, but cricket has this wonderful way of turning on its head when you least expect it. One inspired bowling spell, a flurry of quick wickets, and suddenly the whole complexion of the game changes. That’s what makes Test cricket so addictive, as there’s always time for a comeback story, and what is known as the ‘Aussie mindset’ has written more than its fair share of those fairytales over the years.
The wait has indeed been painful and very long. 26 years since South Africa last held up any ICC trophy. Back when the world was a very different place in 1998. What makes it even more frustrating is that this isn’t a team that’s been struggling. They’ve been knocking on the door consistently, reaching the business end of tournaments only to have fate snatch victory away in the backend. The 2015 World Cup heartbreak, the stinging defeat in the recent T20 World Cup final against India, each one adding another layer to what feels like a curse. But right now, with 69 runs to go, and 8 wickets in hand, most importantly, all those painful memories could be about to become the backdrop to the sweetest of victories.
Nine sessions of pure quality of cricket have brought us here, and South Africa can almost taste what they’ve been chasing for decades. Just 69 runs stand between them and finally breaking their trophy jinx. Watching Temba Bavuma gut it out on Friday was genuinely moving as the guy was evidently battling hammy issues, but showed the heart of a lion, refusing to let his team down. Partnering the skipper, Aiden Markram stepped up with one of those innings that cricket pundits and fans will talk about for years. A century that didn’t just accumulate runs but shifted the atmosphere completely. You could sense the belief growing with every run, like maybe, just maybe, this time might be different.
What a thrilling ride this has been! We’re down to the decisive day in what has been an absolute cracker of a Test match. Both teams have traded blows beautifully throughout this contest, with the momentum swinging like a pendulum - one session here, another there, keeping us all on the edge of our seats. As we step into Day 4 of the 2023-25 World Test Championship Final, there’s excitement in the air because this is, in all probability, the day of reckoning. On that note, we welcome you all to our coverage of the Grand Finale between Australia and South Africa.
... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...
It is there. Hush. It is almost there. Hush. Don't say it! What's going on in the South African camp at the moment? The thrill of an ICC trophy will not make them sleep but one mental side of the players will remind them what happened in the 2024 T20 World Cup final. They started Day 3 poorly, not quite being disciplined enough and allowing Australia's tail to pile on the runs, but when they got their chance to bat, they just did not allow the Aussies to get on top. Having said that, if there is one team which will not accept defeat until the last ball is bowled it is the opposition camp of the Proteas. The batting team needs JUST 69 runs for a memorable win but knowing the Aussie camp, they will tell themselves that you never know in cricket, when is a collapse around the corner. There is a slight forecast for rain on Day 4, but don't think it will affect the game. If the Aussies do pick up a couple of early wickets, you never know, this game could spice up again. Irrespective, it won't last more than a session. The first ball on Saturday, 14th June, 2025, is scheduled to be bowled at 3 pm IST (0930 GMT), but our buildup will begin well in advance. So do tune in early. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
WIAAN MULDER is up for a chat with Graeme Smith. On the key points after a poor batting display in the first innings, Mulder says that the unit took away the fear of failure. Adds that South Africa's coach told the players that they have to go after the Aussies and get whatever target is set in front of them. Breaks up the two innings into the mental aspect, stressing again that there was no fear of failure in the second innings and there was an intent to score as opposed to the approach on Thursday. On his own batting knock, Wiaan says that coming in at 3 is new for him as he has not done it even in First Class cricket. Details that he just looked to score off every ball. On Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma, WM is impressed by the duo, saying that they were pushing themselves out there and looked totally dried out. Calls it really special to see those guys do it for the team. On the pitch on Day 3, Wiaan Mulder says that it was quite slow on Friday and there was hardly any movement. Details that there was not much nip as compared to Days 1 and 2. Further adds that it started from the morning where everything happened very slowly and he is glad that his side capitalized.
Un-Australian type conditions? When was the last time we heard or read anyone saying, Lady Luck is not favouring Australia? Not only on Day 3, but throughout this Test, the lady is not quite happy with the Kangaroos. They got the roughest of the conditions with both bat and ball and barring a session-and-a-half where catches got put down and the edges went to ground, they have not quite got the luck they have always been rich of. In this final innings, they got two wickets off loose deliveries and it did seem like it will change the tide. But then, came that big moment - 9 balls after Wiaan Mulder's dismissal, Bavuma was reared up by a lifter and gave a catch to slip, only for Steve Smith to not only shell it, but also get ruled out of the match via an injury. Bavuma was on 2 then. After that, Oz did not get any opportunity and just went through the motions. The body language was better than what it was on Day 2 in the morning session, but they just didn't get anything going their way. If any, the field placements could have been a bit more aggressive and it was really surprising to see a captain like Cummins keep a defensive field.
Everyone knows this guy is a special player. Australia got a taste of it in 2018 when he made a stunning century in a losing cause. That gave the world a classy player in Aiden Markram and he has not disappointed since. Yes, the last few months have been a little bit up and down for him as a batter but a century and a win in the WTC final will mask all of that. He started off on a pair but never looked under pressure. Barely gave a chance to the Aussies apart from a couple of drag-ons.
What a session for South Africa. Their best session of the match, as they scored 119 runs in 32 overs without losing even a single wicket. This session could have been defining for either side and it has been a determined Protean side which has come within inches of taking the mace. The positivity was always there but what was impressive was Temba Bavuma's call to stay out there in the middle, despite a hamstring niggle. It would have been easy for him to walk off and let someone else take the load, but like a true captain, he battled hard and at the same time, did not let Markram get bogged down because of his injury.
A horde of Aussie players get across to congratulate Aiden Markram. Started the innings on a pair, but has ended the day unbeaten and got his side within touching distance of lifting the World Test Championship. 2018 - Markram's first century in the fourth innings against Australia, in Durban - LOST. 2021 - Markram's second century in the fourth innings against Pakistan, in Rawalpindi - LOST. 2025 - Markram's third century in the fourth innings against Australia, in the World Test Championship final, at Lord's. Can it finally turn into a win for his side?
56
over
56 | 3 Runs | HH: 213/2
55.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Around off, Markram stands back and defends. STUMPS ON DAY 3, SOUTH AFRICA 213/2, 69 NEEDED FOR VICTORY!
55.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full, outside off, pushed to the off side.
55.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Bavuma reaches out and pushes it towards point for a single. Bit harsh from the skipper, thought he will not give strike to Markram at this stage, allowing his emotions to sink in. 69 more needed to win.
55.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, A touch quicker, on the fuller side again, Temba Bavuma lunges and blocks it.
55.2
2
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, given a lot of air, outside off, Temba Bavuma leans into the drive as he drives this one off the front foot through extra cover. Two more runs added to the total.
55.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up on off, Temba Bavuma defends it to point and screams out a loud 'NO'.
Last over of the day? Does seem like. Lyon to finish things off.
55
over
55 | 4 Runs | HH: 210/2
54.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length delivery, on off, Aiden Markram cuts it off the back foot to point.
54.5
4
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, FOUR! HUNDRED FOR AIDEN MARKRAM! An inning of substance and highest quality from him. Probably one of the most important knocks he has played in his Test career. And this couldn't have come at a better occasion - in the Finale of the World Test Championship, while chasing a mountainous target of 282, and that too, against the toughest opposition like Australia. The South African players in the Lord's gallery get aloft with broad smiles and the crowd is up on its feet, applauding this superb batting from the right hander. He was in his 90s since a while, and this will make him a bit more relaxed. Coming to the delivery, Josh fires this fuller and angles on the middle and leg stump line. Aiden Markram gets on the front foot and flicks this neatly through mid-wicket for a cracking boundary. Removes his helmet, raises his bat to the heavens, hugs his skipper, Bavuma, who has equally played an inning of valor himself. He soaks all the cheer from the crowd in London. Former South African batter, AB de Villiers, also captures this moment in his phone, while of course with a huge smile on his face. In the toughest examination of Test cricket, Markram has passed with flying colors. This marks his 8th Test century.
54.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full, around off, driven to cover.
54.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Identical line and length, just that this one nips back in a touch. Markram hits it off the back foot, from the inner half of the bat to short cover.
54.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, on top of off, Aiden Markram presents a solid back foot punch to the short cover region.
54.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Steep bounce for Hazlewood, length and on off. Aiden Markram adjusts to that excessive lift and dabs it out to the off side.
Wait. Wait. Wait. Australia are taking their own sweet time to continue the game, making Aiden Markram wait for his century. With a rare defeat in a final coming up, they are trying to employ the delay tactics. However, nothing has worked for them so far and surprisingly, and nicely, no instances of sledging have taken place in the game. In a match so competitive with neither side giving an inch, nice to see sportsmanship maintained.
54
over
54 | 2 Runs | HH: 206/2
53.6
2
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Slower through the air, full and outside off. Temba Bavuma spreads across the crease on the front foot and slashes it through covers. By the time Cameron Green chases the ball to the deep from the inner ring, Bavuma and Markram cross each other twice.
53.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Flighted up fuller, outside off, Temba Bavuma pushes it to point.
53.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, A yard behind fuller length, around off, Temba Bavuma watchfully defends it off the back foot.
53.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Fairly outside off, full too, Temba Bavuma covers the stumps and eases it out to backward point.
53.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Lands on that dark rough patch, full and outside off, Temba Bavuma leans with a huge stride to defend it out.
53.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full, spinning in from off, Temba Bavuma tucks this to the leg side with soft hands.
Finally, it seems like the South African fans believe that they will be the new champions. They are usually a pretty superstitious bunch and don't celebrate too early. Won't blame them after what has been happening with them from 1992 till 2024. But just as 2025 has seen plenty of firsts across sports, the fans slowly start to believe that after 1998, they will finally get a hold on the ICC trophy. And after a lot of trying, Australia have managed to persuade the umpires to change the ball and out comes the box of balls. Immediately Pat Cummins throws it to Marnus Labuschagne who is the designated shiner of the red ball in this Aussie team. No bowling change though, as Lyon continues.
53
over
53 | 3 Runs | HH: 204/2
52.6
1
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Bangs it into the pitch, does Josh Hazlewood, on the top of the stumps, climbing over the batter's shoulders. Temba Bavuma gets a bit across and inside the line to pull it towards deep backward square leg for a single.
52.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, straight on, fractionally full in length. Bavuma lets it be.
52.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Nagging length, in front of middle. Temba Bavuma gets on the front foot and gently pushes it back to the bowler.
52.3
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, around off. Aiden Markram controls the pull shot, keeps it along the ground for a single at deep square leg. South Africa need 79 as Markram moves to 98!
52.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Goes fuller now, on middle. Aiden Markram flicks this to short mid-wicket.
52.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, A surprise bumper from Hazlewood, on the top of off. Temba Bavuma comfortably pulls this to deep square leg for a single.
52
over
52 | 3 Runs | HH: 201/2
51.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Spins into the pads from middle, on a length. Aiden Markram lets the ball ram into his front pad.
51.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full, on off, driven through cover for one.
51.4
2
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, 200 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA! Prodigious turn for Lyon as he pitches this on a fullish length, outside off. The ball spins all the way across the batter and beats Bavuma's bat who tries to work to the leg side. The ball rolls between the keeper and the fielder at leg slip as the batters take a couple of runs as byes, by the time fine leg gets around.
51.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Slow, full, gripping into the batter. Temba Bavuma leans forward and eases it in front of the short leg fielder.
51.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Pulls the length back, around off, Temba Bavuma taps it off the back foot to the short leg fielder.
51.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Nice and full, spinning in, Bavuma clips to short mid-wicket.
Nathan Lyon to have a final go before Stumps. 15-3-45-0 so far. The Aussies are trying their level best to convince the umpires to change the ball. It is doing absolutely nothing. But the umpires are not convinced and we continue with the same ball.
51
over
51 | 4 Runs | HH: 198/2
50.6
4
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, FOUR! That has gone as straight as an arrow! Markram moves to 97, just one hit away from a century at Lord's! This is pitched quite fuller, and right in front of the stumps. Aiden Markram, with a straight bat face, creams the straight drive. Josh Hazlewood, in his followthrough, tries to stop the ball by bending to his right, but the ball ricochets off his fingers and rolls down the ground for a boundary. No fielder there to cut it off. Also, the replays show that Temba Bavuma tried to plonk his bat inside the crease at the other hand, seeing the ball deflecting off Hazlewood's finger. And had the ball hit the stumps, Bavuma was a goner as his bat didn't arrive inside the crease.
50.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Attacks the stumps, does Josh Hazlewood, full in length. Aiden Markram watchfully blocks it out.
50.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Straighter, fuller, on the stumps, Aiden Markram pushes this to mid on.
50.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, cutting back off the surface. Aiden Markram works this to mid-wicket.
50.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Oh, some extra bounce there! Length ball, lifting off the deck on top of off. Aiden Markram drops his wrists to negotiate this steep bounce and fends it off the splice of the bat. It goes on the bounce wide of second slip where Beau Webster does well to dive to his right to stop the ball.
50.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Pitched on that in-between length, on middle and leg. Markram nudges this to square leg.
It has gone a touch dark. The floodlights are slowly being switched on.
50
over
50 | 5 Runs | HH: 194/2
49.6
0
Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Full, around off, pushed down through mid on but mid-wicket mops it up.
49.5
0
Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
49.4
4
Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! SMOKED! Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets down and mows the sweep powerfully through square leg! Don't worry about that hamstring, it is perfectly fine! 88 more needed now.
49.3
1
Travis Head to Aiden Markram, That one stays low and spins in sharply from outside off. Additionally, it is delivered with a scrambled seam. Aiden just about manages to get his bat down in time to clip the ball through fine leg for a single. The stand moves to 120.
49.2
0
Travis Head to Aiden Markram, A bit more revolutions on the ball, 88 kph, outside off, a touch too full, Markram puts in a stride to block it to the off side.
49.1
0
Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Full, around off, Aiden Markram lunges to defend.
More tablets for Bavuma. The Aussies will not complain, as the longer he takes, the lesser overs they will have to bowl. It is not like they are in any hurry any which ways.
49
over
49 | 1 Runs | HH: 189/2
48.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, pretty straight, Temba defends it from his crease.
48.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, Bavuma clips it through mid-wicket but cannot get it past the fielder.
48.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, On a length, around off, moves away slightly, bounces a tad extra, Temba Bavuma pushes it towards cover pretty watchfully.
48.3
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Similar ball, this time Aiden stays inside the line, allows the ball to come, opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point for a single.
48.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, A length ball, around off, Markram defends it solidly towards mid on.
48.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full and straight, stays low a touch, Aiden Markram crouches and pushes it towards short mid-wicket.
Last throw of the dice for Cummins. Brings back Josh Hazlewood. 9-0-31-0 so far.
48
over
48 | 3 Runs | HH: 188/2
47.6
0
Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Full, around off, Temba lunges to smother the spin.
47.5
2
Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Full and on leg stump, Bavuma gets down and paddles this through fine leg. By the time Mitchell Starc can get to the ball from deep backward square leg, Bavuma charges back for the second. Yes, he did charge.
47.4
0
Travis Head to Temba Bavuma, Full and straight, Temba Bavuma leans and pushes it towards short mid-wicket.
47.3
1
Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single.
47.2
0
Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Back to focus. This time, Markram is fully forward to defend.
47.1
0
Travis Head to Aiden Markram, Oohhh... big turn. Landed on the rough, short of full, Aiden Markram goes back to punch but the ball spins back prodigiously to cramp him for room and take the bottom edge.
Another halt in play. Temba Bavuma has called for something, maybe some tablets to pop in. Umpire Richard Illingworth is not impressed as the 12th man takes a lot of time to get there to the middle. Corbin Bosch is that guy and gets some questions asked by Illingworth, who is just not happy with the delay. Cummins looks at someone who can bowl in the meanwhile and finds Travis Head.
47
over
47 | 1 Runs | HH: 185/2
46.6
1
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Down the leg side, helped towards long leg for a single. Markram moves to 90.
46.5
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Full, outside off, Aiden leans and drives it towards cover.
46.4
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Landed outside off, Markram crouches and goes back, aiming to dab it behind point. Cannot get it past the fielder and declines the run.
46.3
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Shorter in length, defended from the crease.
46.2
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Fuller again, Aiden Markram goes hard on the drive and gets it off the inner half of the bat towards mid-wicket.
46.1
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Full, around off, driven towards mid on.
46
over
46 | 0 Runs | HH: 184/2
45.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full, around off, watchfully defended. Just the third maiden in this innings, all by Lyon.
45.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Ha ha ha!!!! Ohh... love it when players replay certain moments. Lyon switches to around the wicket and drops it a tad short, around middle and leg, The skipper looks to work it to the leg side but the extra bounce induces an inside edge. The ball gets lodged in the gap between the pad and the left knee and instinctively, Bavuma looks to take the ball and hand it over to the fielder. But then, suddenly, he remembers the controversy which happened with David Bedingham in the first innings and stops himself. Asks the fielder whether the ball is dead and can he give and then, gives the ball. Smiles everywhere.
45.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Quicker through the air, 91 kph, TB defends it towards mid on.
45.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Flighted, outside off, 90 kph, Temba dead-bats it.
45.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Bavuma works it towards short mid-wicket.
45.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full, outside off, Temba Bavuma gets a good stride to defend.
20 overs left in the day. No way Australia are going to look to bowl that. That too, with under 50 minutes left, they will aim to bowl as few overs as possible, because the more overs you bowl, more are the chances of the target coming down quicker.
45
over
45 | 5 Runs | HH: 184/2
44.6
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, around off, blocked well by Markram.
44.5
4
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, FOUR! South Africa need under three digits now! That's cheekily played by Markram! Even with a wide gully in place, Aiden Markram guides this length ball very fine and very late, between the keeper and the gully fielder for a boundary at deep third. 98 runs needed to be exact.
44.4
1
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, A gentle-paced delivery, outside off, on a length. Temba Bavuma hits it on the up, and wide of the cover fielder for a quick run.
44.3
0
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Length again, on off, Temba Bavuma crisply drives this square of the wicket, Marnus Labuschagne at cover-point dives to his right and makes a good save.
44.2
0
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Another good length ball, this time on middle, Temba Bavuma defends it to mid on.
44.1
0
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off, Temba Bavuma shoulders his arms to that one.
44
over
44 | 5 Runs | HH: 179/2
43.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Pitches on middle and then turns off to the leg stump line quite sharply. Aiden Markram rocks back and decides to offer no shot. Pads it and the ball lobs in front of the short leg fielder. South Africa need 103 more runs to win now!
43.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full, on leg, clipped to the leg side.
43.4
4
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Gloriously played! Quick hands! Short of a length from Lyon, spinning in from off, Aiden Markram gets deep inside the crease and cuts it cleanly through the point region, and beats the fielder's chase for a boundary.
43.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, A touch quicker, fuller, turning in on off, Aiden Markram hangs back and defends it off the back foot.
43.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Flighted delivery on off, Aiden Markram drives it to short cover.
43.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, FIFTY FOR BAVUMA! One of the best knocks in his entire Test career, one would imagine. He is not 100 percent but has fought it out there for his side, ensuring that the Aussies don't get an inch. Not much of a celebration, just a calm raise of the bat towards the dressing room. He knows that the bigger celebration will be around the corner when the remaining runs are scored. Tossed up on off, Temba Bavuma gently pushes it into the off side and completes the single.
43
over
43 | 1 Runs | HH: 174/2
42.6
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, In front of the sticks, full in length. Aiden Markram responds with a firm block on the front foot.
42.5
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Fractional full, outside off, driven off the front foot by Markram, straight to the man at point.
42.4
1
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length at a gentle pace, just outside off. Temba Bavuma plays it on the rise and slashes this through point for one.
42.3
0
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, on off, Temba Bavuma punches it off the crease to short cover.
42.2
0
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Length ball angling into the right hander, Temba Bavuma flicks it to short mid-wicket.
42.1
0
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Beau Webster bowls this from wide of the crease. The length is on the fuller side. The line is on off. Temba Bavuma defends it off the front foot back to the bowler.
42
over
42 | 5 Runs | HH: 173/2
41.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Spins back in from off, on a length. Aiden Markram goes deep inside the crease to punch it back to the bowler.
41.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Nice and full, around the off pole. A huge stride forward by Markram to defend it out.
41.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Ah, some bite there! Length ball, sharply turning back in from outside off. Aiden Markram gets on the back foot and is surprised by the turn and bounce. It also comes quicker than Markram anticipated, and just manages to fend it to the off side.
41.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Tossed up on middle, Aiden Markram hangs back and plays the push to short mid-wicket.
41.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Short and just outside off, Temba Bavuma defends it off the back foot to the left of short cover and takes a quick single.
41.1
4
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! All happening here at the Home of Cricket! Tossed up on off, Temba Bavuma decides to take on Lyon as he slog sweeps this delivery to the right of deep mid-wicket. Substitute Sam Konstas from deep mid-wicket comes running at the ball and goes for the catch but as he dives in front, the ball lands just short of him and goes through eventually, for four. 100-RUN STAND IS UP!
This is an experienced side but Australia will miss Steve Smith. Not because he is a great fielder but his experience in captaincy and even otherwise could have helped Pat Cummins a great deal. Not that Cummins is not experienced himself but in situations like these, where nothing is going your way, he would have liked some help.
41
over
41 | 4 Runs | HH: 168/2
40.6
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, stays low, outside off. Aiden Markram tries to dab it through short third, but due to the lack of bounce, he ends up chopping it off the inside edge, onto the front pad.
40.5
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, On middle and on a good length. Markram works this to square leg.
40.4
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Length, sliding back in and around off. Markram watchfully blocks this out.
40.3
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Full on middle, Aiden Markram drives it to mid on.
40.3
3
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Oh! Again the uneven bounce! Length ball outside off, that rises sharply. Aiden Markram was looking to play the cut, but is surprised by the extra bounce as the ball hits the upper part of his bat and goes wide of the backward point fielder. The deep point fielder runs to his left and cuts it off. Two runs taken. Oh, Beau Webster has overstepped.
40.2
0
Beau Webster to Aiden Markram, Length ball on middle, Aiden Markram defends it off the back foot to catching mid on.
40.1
1
Beau Webster to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma cuts it square of the wicket, along the ground to deep point for a single.
The Aussies trying to slow the game down. They are not able to curtail the run flow, so they are trying to make the batters wait and play with their patience. Additionally, with the runs required just 118 as of now, and an hour of play left, they will be left with just around 70 runs or less for tomorrow. They are trying to push that as close to 100 as possible, on Day 4. Beau Webster has been given the ball now. He is bowling medium pace at the moment, but won't be long before he switches to off spin.
40
over
40 | 4 Runs | HH: 164/2
39.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Drags the length, on off, Markram tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket.
39.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Length, spinning back in from outside off, Temba Bavuma turns this to square leg and rushes through for a quick single. The fielder there is quick to pick and release the throw in a motion, and even scores a direct hit at the bowler's end, where Bavuma hobbles a bit on the run, but somehow, manages to get home before the ball hits the stumps.
39.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, BEATEN! Ooohs and aaaahhhs for spin! Full and flat, outside off, turning back sharply. Temba Bavuma leans on to play the defensive shot but gets beaten by the turn.
39.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Slower through the air, tossed up, outside off, and turns in sharply. Temba Bavuma lunges in defense and misses it as he wears it on the body.
39.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Overpitched on off, Aiden Markram lunges to defend. The ball doesn't turn as it goes straight and takes the outside edge and goes rolling along the ground to short third. Single taken.
39.1
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Tossed up, slower through the air, Aiden Markram rocks on the back foot and punches it along the ground to the left of deep extra cover for two runs.
DRINKS BREAK. The first half of the final session of this third day belongs to South Africa. They have just not allowed the Aussie bowlers to get any opening and to be very fair, the bowlers have not got much assistance from the surface, which has made batting more and more easier. Yes, the odd one has shown signs of uneven bounce, but not THAT threatening to deceive the batter. Although there have been some signs of turn and grip for Nathan Lyon from one end, through those rough patches. Australia will be hoping to break this stand as quickly as possible, as it won't be that easy for the new incoming batter to play comfortably against the gripping ball. For now, the Proteas hold all the aces as this stand has grown to 90 runs, with South Africa needing another 122 runs to win. Nathan Lyon to continue after the hydration break.
39
over
39 | 6 Runs | HH: 160/2
38.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Bavuma now drills this full ball to the mid off region.
38.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, EDGED, but goes through the vacant gully region. Markram tries to slash this length ball from outside off. But gets a thick outside edge and the ball rolls behind to widish deep backward point. A single taken.
38.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Fuller and just outside off, Aiden Markram presses forward and defends it out to cover-point.
38.3
4
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Superb placement from Aiden Markram! All hands! Length ball outside off, Aiden Markram plays the cut as he splits the gap between, deep backward point and deep third man fielders to perfection.
38.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on middle, Temba Bavuma defends it towards short cover and sets off for a quick single.
38.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on off, Temba Bavuma drives it straight to short cover.
38
over
38 | 7 Runs | HH: 154/2
37.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Length on off, Markram hangs back and works it to mid-wicket.
37.5
4
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, FOUR BYES! Well, when it rains, it pours! Lyon overcompensates and bowls this on the leg stump line. The ball lands and turns away from the batter as Makram looks to clip into the leg side. Since there's no leg slip in place, the ball trickles down to the deep fine leg fence.
37.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Lands just around that dark rough patch, on a fullish length. The ball bites and takes a sharp turn into the batter. Markram patiently tucks this to the square leg region.
37.3
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Tossed up just outside off, the ball lands in the rough as Aiden Markram goes for the wild slog and balls turns big time and misses the stumps as well as the bat and the keeper. Batters manage to sneak in two byes. The 150 is up for South Africa and they are inching closer to the target. Need another 132 runs to win.
37.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full and on middle, Aiden Markram looks to defend it and the ball turns and hits the inner part of his bat.
37.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full and on middle, Temba Bavuma drives this down the ground to long on for a single.
Nathan Lyon (10-2-30-0) is back on. He replaces skipper Pat Cummins. A slip and a regular short leg in place for 'Garry'.
37
over
37 | 10 Runs | HH: 147/2
36.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, on off, Temba Bavuma opens the bat face and guides this between short third and backward point for a single.
Oh, Starc just aborts to bowl. He stops right when he is about to deliver the ball.
36.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, The scoreboard just keeps ticking for the Proteas! Shortish delivery at the pads, Aiden Markram glances this through backward square leg for a single.
36.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Stylishly played! Too full from Starc, on middle and leg, from around the stumps. Aiden Markram with a straight bat face and a still head, plays the on drive, past mid on for a boundary.
36.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Length ball, outside off, Aiden Markram plays the cut shot, but it goes along the ground to the gully fielder.
36.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Very full on off, Aiden Markram looks to drive it on the up and almost spoons up a catch to mid off, as  the ball goes on the bounce to mid off.
36.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Nothing going Australia's way! Mitchell Starc bowls this one from wide of the crease, and lands it on a full length, just outside off, Aiden Markram goes for a booming drive and ends up outside edging it. The ball goes wide of the gully fielder, Travis Head, who puts on a despairing dive to his left and doesn't get any hand on it, as the ball runs away to the deep third fence.
Mitchell Starc is back on for one more burst. 7-0-37-2 so far.
36
over
36 | 7 Runs | HH: 137/2
35.6
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Skids through the deck quickly, on the fourth stump. Aiden Markram pins the ball through backward point and scoots through for a single.
35.5
1
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Another short delivery, on the bodyline. Temba Bavuma swivels and pulls it to square leg. A sharp stop there by the fielder, who moves to his left from backward square leg. A single taken.
35.4
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, A short ball, that slows off the deck and arrives late, around off. Temba Bavuma drops it beside the pitch on the off side.
35.3
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, just outside off, Temba Bavuma blocks it off the back foot.
35.2
4
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Lovely stroke from the South African Captain! Poor delivery, overpitched on off, Temba Bavuma times it sweetly as he plays the straight drive, down the ground for four. It was more of a check drive, really!
35.2
1
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off, in the channel, Temba Bavuma shoulders his arms to that one. Oh, Pat Cummins has overstepped. NO BALL!
35.1
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball tailing back a little, Temba Bavuma looks to defend it off the front foot, as the ball hits the inner half of his bat and goes into the leg side towards short mid-wicket.
35
over
35 | 4 Runs | HH: 130/2
34.6
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Pushed slower through the air, but outside the leg stump. Aiden Markram tries to nurdle this full ball to the leg side, but misses to lay any bat. The ball grazes his front pad and rolls behind through the short fine leg region. The fielder from square leg chases the ball with a slide. The batters, though, hare back for the second and the throw is towards the bowler's end, where Bavuma just about gets home.
34.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Flighted up, full on the leg stump, Aiden leans forward and defends it to the leg side.
34.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Drops a full ball, on the stumps, around leg. Aiden Markram hangs back and steers it to short mid-wicket.
34.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, A touch quick, short length off break on middle, Aiden Markram pushes it back to the bowler.
34.2
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, A touch fuller, on off, Aiden Markram stills plays it off the back foot as he makes some room and punches it in the gap through the extra cover region. Pat Cummins tracks it down from cover and gets to the ball near the boundary with a slide. There is a third on offer but Bavuma puts his hand up, signalling to Markram that he won't be able to make it.
34.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Shorter length off break, on off stump line, Aiden Markram punches it off the back foot, back to the bowler.
34
over
34 | 2 Runs | HH: 126/2
33.6
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, hard length, guided off the back foot to backward point.
33.5
2
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Straight and full, on off, Temba Bavuma weighs forward, gently punches this straight down the ground and scampers through back for the second run by the time mid off chases the ball.
33.4
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, At 137 kph, Cummins bowls this full and on the pads. Temba Bavuma misses his flick shot and the ball rams into his front pad before rolling into the leg side.
33.3
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Full on off, Temba Bavuma plays the off drive to mid off.
33.2
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Again length from Pat Cummins, this time the line is on off, Temba Bavuma comfortably blocks it under his eyes.
The body language of the Aussies has gone down again. Almost how it was in the morning session of Day 2. They are trying hard but with the pitch and ball doing nothing, they are being forced to do that extra hard work, something which they didn't need to do in the last 2 days. Another thing which might be irritating them is the singles being taken by these batters. Without scoring much boundaries, they are going at around 4 an over pretty comfortably. To make matters worse for them, one of them is almost running on one foot. yet taking the runs pretty easily. Pretty soon, the coaches in that Australian dressing room will send down a word to Cummins to bring the field up and stop these singles, before it gets too late.
33.1
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball shaping away, outside off, Temba Bavuma leaves it alone.
33
over
33 | 4 Runs | HH: 124/2
32.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Flighted up, fuller and on the stumps. Temba Bavuma with a huge lunge forward, goes for the defensive block, but the ball takes a bit of an outside edge and rolls to the short third region. A single taken. South Africa need 158 more runs to win.
32.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Pulls the length back and slides this across off, Temba Bavuma goes deep in the crease and taps it out.
32.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Drops it fuller, does Lyon, on off, from around the stumps. Aiden Markram drills this down to long on. Milks a single.
32.3
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Short and on off, Aiden Markram rocks back and punches it through the extra cover region and takes couple of runs.
32.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Full and on middle, Aiden Markram looks to defend it off the front foot, the ball drifts away a touch as it takes the outside half of the bat and rolls along the ground to short cover.
32.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, This isn't that short, on off, Aiden Markram still rocks on the back foot and pushes it to back to the bowler.
Fresh news coming in from the Aussie camp. Steve Smith has suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger. He was assessed by the Australian team medical staff at the ground and taken to the hospital for x-rays and further treatment. That effectively rules him out of this Test and possibly out of the Test series in the Caribbean coming up. Matthew Hayden on air feels that Smith will need a surgery for sure and might need around 8 weeks for rehabilitaton. So it will be the home season directly now, for Smudge, ahead of the Ashes. In a way, big chance for Josh Inglis to cement that spot and try to become the next Smith.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs | HH: 120/2
31.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Attacks the stumps, keeping the length full, Bavuma keeps it out to the off side.
31.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Slanting toward the leg stump line, on a length. Temba Bavuma tucks this across to short mid-wicket.
31.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Fires it fuller on off, Temba Bavuma taps it out to the point region.
31.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on middle, Temba Bavuma flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.
31.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full on off, Temba Bavuma presents the full face of the bat and defends it off the front foot to short cover.
31.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full and drifting on the pads, Aiden Markram flick and misses. The ball hits his front pad and goes into the leg side. Oh it's not given a leg bye. Possibly Aiden got some bat on it. Single taken. And that will bring up the 50-RUN PARTNERSHIP between these two.
31
over
31 | 6 Runs | HH: 119/2
30.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Nicely flighted up, full and just outside off. Temba Bavuma defends it out watchfully.
30.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Full in length and on the off stump. Temba Bavuma works this to the point region.
30.4
4
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, EDGED, FOUR! Floated fuller and angled across off, Temba Bavuma gets on the front foot to guide the ball to the off side, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball beats the biggest wingspans on the field - Beau Webster - at first slip and runs away to the boundary. Bavuma played that with soft hands, so the edge did not carry to the fielder.
30.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up, fuller on off, Temba Bavuma defends it to short cover.
30.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Again a shorter length, off break, on off, Temba Bavuma covers for the line of the ball and pushes it to short mid-wicket.
30.1
2
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Short on off, Temba Bavuma punches it off the back foot and manages to hit it wide of short mid-wicket. The deep mid-wicket fielder runs to his left and cuts it off. Two runs taken.
Nathan Lyon is given the ball again. 7-2-18-0 so far.
30
over
30 | 3 Runs | HH: 113/2
29.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full and wide outside off, Markram puts in a huge lunge and shoulders arms.
29.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full and straight, Aiden Markram looks to flick but misses and is hit on the pads. Josh Hazlewood appeals for LBW but the umpire turns it down. No real support from behind and eventually, Hazlewood himself accepts that it would have gone down the leg side.
29.4
1
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, That's another fine pull shot. A short ball, outside off, Temba Bavuma swivels again, lifting his front leg and pulling it to deep backward square leg for a single. 169 more needed.
29.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full on off, Temba Bavuma defends it to mid off, showing the full face of the bat.
29.2
2
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length ball skidding off the surface, Temba Bavuma steers it down to the vacant deep third region. The fielder from deep backward point runs to his left and cuts it off near the boundary. Meanwhile, the batters complete two runs.
29.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Good length ball around off, Temba Bavuma defends it off the back foot towards short cover.
A couple of shouts coming out for Temba Bavuma to get retired hurt. The worry amongst the fans is that he might just derail the momentum and also, a new batter with fresh legs can take quicker runs. While that is a fair point, one needs to understand that it is not always easy to retire hurt and then come back again to play, if needed. Sometimes, muscles injuries get cold which don't allow the body to recover once it gets a decent amount of rest. Hence, these days, players prefer to keep on playing and keep the body moving and the blood flowing. One can remember that game between Australia and Afghanistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where Glenn Maxwell refused to retire hurt and the next, as we know, became history.  So, on a big day, at the big stage, Bavuma is doing a Big Show.
29
over
29 | 3 Runs | HH: 110/2
28.6
1
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, That's nicely played. A short ball, around off, Bavuma tests his hamstring again as he lifts his front leg and pivots on the pull, playing it all along the ground through square leg, for a run. The stand moves to 40 (68).
28.5
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full and straight, this time Markram manages to get it wide of mid on, to his left and takes the single.
Change in the field. Slip goes to short mid-wicket. Gully moves to first slip. There is a deep mid-wicket and a deep square leg in place.
28.4
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full and straight, Aiden Markram offers the full face of his bat and pushes it down the ground. Sets off for a single but then changes his mind as mid on gets across quickly.
28.3
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, A touch fuller and on midddle, Aiden Markram comfortably blocks it back to the bowler.
28.2
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Oh! Uneven bounce! Length ball that rises sharply. Aiden Markram was lunging in front to defend it and is taken aback by the extra bounce as the ball hits the upper part of his bat and rolls into the off side.
28.1
1
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on off, Temba Bavuma defends it off the front foot to the left of short cover and takes a single.
28
over
28 | 5 Runs | HH: 107/2
27.6
1
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, Temba Bavuma just presses forward for a defense, opens the face of his bat at the last moment and takes a single in front of point.
27.5
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Outside off, steered through point for a single.
27.4
2
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, And Hazlewood celebrates! For half a second. Because he then realizes that it is not a wicket. On a length, outside off, cuts back in sharply, Aiden Markram looks to punch but the late movement takes the inside edge and nearly goes onto the stumps. Goes wide of fine leg and it is another couple of runs taken by the batters. That hamstring is getting worked over nicely for Bavuma.
27.3
1
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Length ball angling into the right hander, on middle leg, Temba Bavuma works it square of the wicket towards deep square leg for a single.
27.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Full on off, Temba Bavuma blocks it off the front foot to short cover.
27.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Good length delivery angling in on middle, Temba Bavuma comfortably defends it to mid on. The pitch has slowed down quite a bit and Bavuma's finding it easy to play off the crease waiting for the ball to arrive.
27
over
27 | 1 Runs | HH: 102/2
26.6
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Full and straight, pushed towards mid on.
26.5
1
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, A short ball now, outside off, Bavuma looks to pull but the ball comes slowly off the surface. Hence, he gets a bottom edge which rockets past the leg stump towards fine leg. Bavuma is hobbling across for the single so Josh Hazlewood at fine leg has all the time in the world to jog across towards the ball.
26.4
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, Temba Bavuma shoulders arms.
26.3
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on middle, Temba Bavuma defends it towards catching mid on.
26.2
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Touch fuller on off, Temba Bavuma looks to drive it on the up, the ball straightens a touch after pitching and hits the outer part of Temba's bat and goes on the bounce to short cover.
26.1
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball on middle, Temba Bavuma defends it off the crease, right under his eyes.
26
over
26 | 6 Runs | HH: 101/2
25.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Around off, Markram looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.
25.5
1
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Oh... testing that hamstring? Full and straight, Bavuma taps it towards mid on and calls for a quick single. He is literally limping and hobbles across to the other end. Mid on gets across but fumbles while trying to pick up and throw the ball. He is surely a team player, Bavuma, as he does not want Markram to get bogged down under pressure if they cannot take quick singles.
25.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Landed outside off, left alone.
25.3
4
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, FOUR! Nice timing on that one! On a length sliding on leg, Temba Bavuma flicks it along the ground towards the deep square leg region for four. Save that hammy. Don't run. 100 UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA. 182 more needed.
25.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Temba Bavuma, Fuller on off, Temba Bavuma defends it solidly off the front foot to mid off.
25.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full on middle, Aiden Markram flicks it to the right of mid on and takes a single.
Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end. 5-0-16-0 so far.
25
over
25 | 1 Runs | HH: 95/2
24.6
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, A bit too full, outside off, Temba Bavuma keeps it out to the off side.
24.5
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and just around off, Bavuma drives it straight to cover.
24.4
0
Pat Cummins to Temba Bavuma, Length ball, outside off, Bavuma leaves it alone.
24.3
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, FIFTY for Markram! What an occasion he has chosen to score this! Length ball, angling on middle, Aiden Markram knocks this towards the mid on region for a quick single. A knock of quality from Markram under pressure.
24.2
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good length, slightly outside off, punched off the back foot from the crease.
24.1
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good length, on off, punched to the point region.
Welcome back. First things first, from a South African perspective, Temba Bavuma has come out along with Aiden Markram. That will be a big boost to the rest of the team. The Aussies get into a huddle. 41 overs left in the day but I fear we will have at least 10 left unbowled, unless Nathan Lyon gets a long spell. It will be Pat Cummins to kick things off after Tea. Markram to face. No Steve Smith yet, on the field.
... DAY 3, FINAL SESSION ...
Well then, South Africa have looked in control with the bat so far, and their scoring rate is impressive too, as they have constantly been at and around that 4 runs per over rate. But as we have seen the momentum juggling back and forth, can the Aussies strike back strongly? Of course, the Proteas won't be at ease at all as they WILL have to SCORE 188 runs to get their hands on that mace. For Australia, their 'never-say-die' attitude proved fruitful with the bat, and they would be hoping that it would replicate with the ball. If Australia manage to get two or three wickets in this final session, without conceding many runs, who knows, we will be in for a thriller come Saturday, Day 4. The post-Tea session is just about to kickoff in a few minutes' time. Stay tuned.
Something wasn't quite clicking for Starc and Hazlewood in their opening burst and to be fair, they offered a few looseners as well. Now, was it because they'd been grafting with the bat for more than an hour and a half? Starc had faced over 100 deliveries, and Hazlewood wasn't far behind during that marathon 59-run last-wicket stand that took 135 balls. But then again, maybe it was just the pitch doing its thing. The surface had clearly mellowed out, as gone were the early-over demons that had batters jumping around like they were dodging wasps.
With the ball coming nicely on the bat, Aiden Markram initiated the charge with a flurry of boundaries, which helped them set a perfect foundation. Runs came at ease, which compelled Pat Cummins to switch from Plan A to Plan B quickly, as there was not a single maiden in the first ten overs. In fact, so far, there have just been two maidens bowled in 24 overs of this South African chase, both by Lyon. Cummins did bring in Lyon to see whether spin gets the bite, but it didn't work. Also, Bavuma's dropped catch when he was batting at 2 by Smith, off Starc, didn't help their cause either.
On the first two days, the ball dominated the bat, but it has been quite the contrary this day as the bat has spoken against the ball and how! Bright sunny day, with no visible cloud cover by far, Lord's the venue, where conditions are perfect for batting on the third day, proved just right. It was Australia first who frustrated the Saffas with their tough grit and resolve, from the tailenders. Extending their lead to 281, but that was responded to firmly by the Proteas with the bat. Yes, they lost Rickelton early, but the positive was that they came out with intent. The ball showed absolutely no signs of movement, which made batting a bit easier, in fact, the best batting conditions in this finale so far. Cementing our point, as per Dinesh Karthik on air, there was around 35 percent less seam movement than in the first inning.
Day 3 of any Test is considered the 'Moving Day'. However, this Grand Finale has moved at a breakneck speed, and more rapidly on this third day. Momentum just hasn't been with one side in this Test for more than one session. Australia bag one, South Africa respond equally to claim the next, and this has been the story so far, throughout. The first session today was bossed by Australia with the bat, only to be followed by South Africa bagging this commandingly, in the chase.
24
over
24 | 4 Runs | HH: 94/2
23.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Aims the sticks, does Starc, full in length. Aiden Markram flicks this through mid-wicket for a single. TEA ON DAY 3, SOUTH AFRICA 94/2, NEED ANOTHER 188.
23.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good length, around middle and leg. Temba Bavuma tucks this with soft hands and gets a single at deep square leg.
23.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Short of a good length, outside off. Aiden Markram cuts it behind square to deep backward point for a single.
23.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Fuller and angling to the off stump. Temba Bavuma prods forward and drives this through cover for a single. Hobbles to the other end, more than running comfortably.
23.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Fuller delivery, outside off, Temba Bavuma drives this off the inner half of the bat to cover. That seems to have kept marginally low.
23.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Starc keeps charging from around the wickets and angles this on the stumps, into the batter. Temba Bavuma plays a firm frontfoot block.
23
over
23 | 0 Runs | HH: 90/2
22.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Length, sliding outside off, punched to short cover by Markram.
22.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Now this one keeps a bit low, in front of middle, full in length. Aiden Markram, rather than playing this full ball on the front foot, goes back and across, and defends it off the toe end of the bat.
22.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Touch full with some extra bounce, on the stumps. Defended out.
22.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Slides this across off on a length. Markram knocks this across and Marnus Labuschagne makes a good diving stop to his left.
22.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, On middle and drifting towards off, on a length. Aiden Markram rocks back and punches this straight back to the bowler.
22.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Nice and full, around off. Aiden Markram blocks this off the front foot to point.
Lyon given a rest. With around 10 minutes to go for Tea, Josh Hazlewood has been given the ball. 5-0-16-0 so far. Meanwhile, there is a slight delay to the proceedings. Temba Bavuma is on the ground, having called for the physio who seems to be attending to his calf or hamstring. The body language of Bavuma seems to be of a man who is concerned and in pain. He is trying to get up and do some stretching but is struggling to do so. Meanwhile, Sam Konstas gets himself a massage outside the boundary ropes. It is all happening out there. Hopefully no one dozes off in this extended break. We are now shown replays of 21.3, when Bavuma was taking the quick single. It was at the completion of that run that Bavuma seemed to have pulled something. Okay. the physio is off the ground and Bavuma is up and ready. And now, thanks to that break, the ball has been taken away from Hazlewood. Lyon continues.
22
over
22 | 5 Runs | HH: 90/2
21.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Nagging length, slanting on the middle and leg stumps. Temba Bavuma brings the bat straight down and pushes it to short mid-wicket. South Africa need another 192 runs, and Australia need 8 wickets to win the finale.
21.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, This is pitched wide of off, fuller in length. Aiden Markram expands his arms, gets low and slashes this to deep backward point. One run taken.
21.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Cannoned at the stumps, full in length, blocked off watchfully by Markram.
21.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Good running! Back of a length, angled at the top of middle. Temba Bavuma hops on the back foot and tucks this wide of square leg. Travis Head charges towards the ball to his left, but Bavuma is quick to complete the single.
21.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Good length, outside off, Aiden Markram cuts this past backward point for a single.
21.1
2
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Slants it into the batter, does Starc, full and on middle. Aiden Markram flicks this off the inner half of the bat, but through mid-wicket and mid on. The two fielders from the inner ring are after it and the ball is chased by one of them yards before the ropes. Two taken by the batters in the meantime.
21
over
21 | 5 Runs | HH: 85/2
20.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Not too full, not too short, turning in around off, tucked across to short mid-wicket.
20.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Flighted on a length, drifting on the leg stump. Aiden Markram steers this to the square leg region for a quick single.
20.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Turns in off the deck, on a length, around off. Markram punches this back to the bowler.
20.3
3
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Floated fuller and just outside off, Temba Bavuma leans to drive through covers, but gets a thick outside edge and the ball rolls behind to the deep third region. Three taken.
20.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Oh, this one stays low on a good length, on middle. Well negotiated by Bavuma as he tucks this across to short mid-wicket.
Change of bats for Temba Bavuma.
20.1
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, A slip in place and a short mid on, just beside the strip as well. Length ball on the stumps. Aiden Markram turns this to deep square leg for an easy single.
How costly will that dropped catch prove? South Africa themselves dropped two catches and are chasing nearly 100 more than what they would have got initially. It is a good attitude shown by Bavuma, almost like a T20 game, where you don't let the bowlers settle despite losing a wicket. Yes, he played a couple of rash shots but those shots have actually put the bowlers off their lengths and got Cummins thinking.
20
over
20 | 5 Runs | HH: 80/2
19.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Back of a length, outside off, from around the wicket, Bavuma pushes it towards cover. Eventful over.
19.5
2
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a good length, outside off, Temba Bavuma waits for the ball to arrive and dabs it behind point. Plenty of time to return for the second.
19.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, On a length, around off, Aiden Markram watches it closely and pushes the ball behind point for a single.
19.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Full and on off, Temba Bavuma drives it off the front foot, it is more of a check drive. The ball goes along the ground to deep extra cover. Single taken.
Problems for Steve Smith. He has immediately called for the physio. He is in immense pain and by the looks of it, could have dislocated his finger. And he is WALKING OFF. Talking about SA-Aus contests, one of the best fielders dropped the catch of the opposition captain in the 1999 World Cup and the response was, 'You have dropped the World Cup, mate.' Will Bavuma now say the same to Smith? Sam Konstas comes in as the substitute for Smith.
19.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Edged and dropped! The problems for the slip cordon continue. Many of the balls have landed short of the slip cordon and because of which, the slip fielders are standing a foot ahead. But that is what results in a drop catch now as the edge flew very quickly to Steve Smith who barely had time to react. The key point worth noting here, is the bounce. That one reared off a length, as Mitchell Starc angled this one in from round the wicket, on middle. Temba Bavuma was in no position to play that and ended up trying to fend it, getting an outside edge that flew to first slip, who was standing just 14 meters ahead of the normal standing position. Smith catches it, but the ball rebounds off his chest and drops down as Smith cannot take it on the rebound.
19.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, From round the wicket, full and well outside off, Aiden Markram goes for a booming square drive as he takes the bottom hand of his bat. The ball takes the outer part of his bat, and flies wide of deep point, who runs to his left and cuts it off near the boundary. Single taken.
19
over
19 | 3 Runs | HH: 75/2
18.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Shortish, around off, Bavuma stays back to block.
18.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Outside off, much fuller, watchfully defended.
18.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Ooohh... thrown up wide outside off, Temba Bavuma looks to hit the cover of the ball through cover but ends up dragging it, JUST past the stumps. Markram takes off for the single but Bavuma is ball watching and is late by the time he realizes where the ball had gone. Sends his partner back.
18.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Another flighted delivery, on off. Temba Bavuma again prods forward and blocks it under his eyes.
18.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Temba Bavuma, Tossed up on off, Temba Bavuma lunges forward and defends it off the front foot.
18.1
3
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Short, quick and just outside off, Aiden Markram cuts it off the back foot, wide of backward point. Usman Khawaja at backward point puts on the chase and cuts it off two-three yards inside the boundary line. Batters complete three runs.
18
over
18 | 3 Runs | HH: 72/2
17.6
2
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, Whoa, my word! Is this a reminder to the Aussies of how Sam Konstas treated Jasprit Bumrah at the MCG? A length ball, outside off, it is just his second ball but Bavuma goes hard at this one and carves it over cover. He miscues it, but luckily for him, has enough on it to clear the infield. Two runs taken as the fielders mop it up.
17.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Temba Bavuma, On a length, outside off, defended towards point.
Skipper Temba Bavuma walks in next at number 4, replacing Wiaan Mulder.
17.4
W
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, OUT! CAUGHT! That is a soft dismissal and out of nowhere, Australia get a wicket. Cummins did get Starc back on for a wicket but this is certainly not one of his wicket-taking deliveries. Not quite sure how are batters affected by delays but this is one of those occasions. There was a long gap between the third and fourth deliveries as Mulder was getting the sightscreen adjusted with Starc changing his angle to round the wicket. Maybe, that little break affected his concentration. A genuine half volley, outside off, Mulder leans and looks to drive on the up. Now, the only justification for Mulder, for not keeping that down could be that the ball came really slow off the surface. Hence, he was not in total control and ended up chipping it straight to Marnus Labuschagne at cover. Mulder just stands there in disappointment, or more in shock. The ball was there to drive, the shot was played, but it was about playing a second early or late. It is not his mistake when you look at the replays but when you look at it live, it is a very soft dismissal. The 61-run stand is broken and Mulder trudges off for 27. South Africa are 70/2 and need another 212 runs.
The spin twins in action, near the boundary. Not too long ago, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann were bowling in tandem in the Isles of Sri Lanka. Right now, Kuhnemann is involved in a long chat with Lyon outside the boundary, probably discussing what is the best way to get the batters commit a mistake.
17.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Full and just outside off, Wiaan Mulder plays the off drive off the front foot, straight to mid off.
17.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, On a length on leg, Aiden Markram works it behind square towards deep fine leg for a single.
17.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Full and on middle, Aiden Markram flicks it to mid on. Mitchell Starc looking for the magic ball, possibly. But that one didn't swing.
Mitchell Starc has been brought back on. 3-0-20-1 so far.
17
over
17 | 3 Runs | HH: 69/1
16.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Quicker and darted in, nudged towards short mid-wicket.
16.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Flatter, around off, Mulder punches it straight back. Lyon dives to his right and collides with Markram. Immediately apologizes to the non-striker.
16.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Short and quick outside off, 92 kph, Wiaan Mulder stays back and punches it towards cover.
16.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, From over the wicket, tossed up delivery on off, Aiden Markram hangs back as he punches this down the ground to long on for a single.
16.2
2
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Short and turning in a bit, on middle, Aiden Markram makes some room as he moves away and punches it off the back foot through covers. Two runs taken.
16.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, From round the wicket, a touch short, off break on middle, Aiden Markram works it off the back foot to short mid-wicket.
16
over
16 | 3 Runs | HH: 66/1
15.6
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, On a length, outside off, tucked through mid-wicket for a run.
15.5
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Fuller in length now, defended solidly.
15.4
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, A short ball, around off, punched towards mid on.
15.3
2
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Too straight, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. Markram moves to 31 (40).
15.2
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, That stayed low! On a length, outside off, Markram looks to play that from the back foot but the ball shoots low and lands nearly a foot in front of the keeper. Did not miss the off stump by much.
15.1
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Nearly a soft dismissal! On a length, on the middle stump line, Aiden Markram flicks it uppishly and it nearly carries to the fielder at short mid-wicket! The slip cordon has less density now with just two men manning that area.
15
over
15 | 5 Runs | HH: 63/1
14.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Bowled from a wider angle from around the stumps. Landed on a length, outside off, this is steered off the back foot to square leg.
14.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Around the stumps now. Slides the ball across the batter, on a length. Wiaan Mulder rocks back and knocks it onto the surface.
14.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Slows it up through the air, on middle. Mulder defends this full ball.
14.3
4
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Right out of the coach's manual! Too full and outside off, Wiaan Mulder leans on it and creams the cover drive for a boundary.
14.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, A bit too full, floated on middle, Aiden Markram pushes this down to long on for a single. This brings the 50-run stand between Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder.
14.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Length, on off, punched off the back foot to short cover by Aiden.
Tough situations call for a shift in mindset. Usman Khawaja is standing nearly 2 yards AHEAD of the keeper, Alex Carey, at first slip. Now, usually in cricket, the first slip stands behind the keeper and the second slip stands ahead of that first slip. So it will be a bit unusual for Carey to have someone in front of his peripheral vision. The problem for Australia is, plenty of edges have landed short of the slip cordon in the past 2 days and as far as this innings is concerned, an edge itself is a rarity.
14
over
14 | 7 Runs | HH: 58/1
13.6
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Skids through the deck, on a length, at off. Wiaan Mulder blocks it solidly off the front foot.
13.5
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller and on the stumps, Wiaan Mulder flicks this towards Sam Konstas at mid-wicket.
13.4
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Good length, at the stumps, Aiden Markram knocks this wide of mid on for a single.
13.3
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, outside off, punched to the off side.
13.2
4
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, EDGED AND FOUR! Just past the first slip and the keeper. That area has been really annoying for both sides in this Test as on so many occasions, the ball has just not carried all the way through. Just around off, nibbling away from the batter on a length. Aiden Markram tries to punch this to the off side, but gets a thick healthy outside edge. However, luckily for him, the ball does not carry to the keeper, Alex Carey, and dips low between the first slip where Usman Khawaja is stationed, and the keeper. Carey dives to his right but does not lay any hand on it and the ball trickles behind to the boundary.
13.1
2
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Hard length, outside off, jagging back in. Aiden Markram firmly punches this off the back foot. Hares back for the second as the ball trickles towards deep backward point.
DRINKS BREAK. Excellent hour for South Africa. With the conditions firmly in their favour, they have nearly made full use of the same. Their only complaint would be the gift offered by Ryan Rickelton, who threw his wicket away. The ball has barely swung and the fact that it took 11 overs for the experienced 4-man legendary attack to string a maiden shows the positivity from the batters. It is damage control for Cummins now, as he has kept an in-out field. After leaking 39 in the first 7 overs, the Aussies have managed to peg back the scoring a bit, conceding only 12 in the last 6. We have seen an instance or two of the ball staying low, but apart from that, these are perfect batting conditions and Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder are laying down a wonderful platform for a famous win. It will be interesting to see the body language of the Aussies if they continue to struggle for wickets. Meanwhile, Sam Konstas is on the park at the moment, for Josh Hazlewood.
13
over
13 | 2 Runs | HH: 51/1
12.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, On the stumps, full and flat, 92 kph, Wiaan Mulder gets right behind the line to defend it out.
12.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Gives some revolutions to the ball now, does Lyon, full and outside off. Aiden Markram works this gently past mid on for a single.
12.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Flat and quick, on a length, spinning into the batter. Punched by Markram back to the bowler.
12.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Aiden Markram, Pulls the length back, drifting onto the pads, Aiden Markram hangs back and tucks it to backward square leg.
12.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, FIFTY UP FOR SOUTH AFRICA! In just 12.2 overs! Slower through the air, full and on off, Wiaan Mulder leans on it and eases it out to the cover region for a quick single.
12.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Nice and full. tossed up around off, Wiaan Mulder defends it on the front foot.
True to its nature, Day 3 has turned out to be a brilliant day for batting at Lord's. As per the on-air broadcasters, the false shot percentage today has been recorded as 13 percent so far, as compared to 25 on Day 1 and 23 on Day 2. We have to remember that for a majority part of the day today, the Aussie tail has batted and still the False Shot percentage is low. It's a sign that conditions have eased out significantly. The South African batters have indeed spotted it and accordingly taken advantage of the conditions, having scored runs at over 4.
12
over
12 | 2 Runs | HH: 49/1
11.6
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Length, outside off, dabbed late by Markram to the gully region.
11.5
1
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball, on the pads. Wiaan Mulder misses to tuck it across and the ball rolls off the thigh pad to the square leg region. They get a leg bye.
11.4
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Whoa, had to really hurry there! Full from Cummins, around off. Aiden Markram drives this wide of mid off and sets off for a single straightaway. A clean work there from Nathan Lyon as he swiftly moves to his left, picks the ball and releases it instantly at the bowling end. The skates are on for Markram as Lyon misses to score a direct hit. The batter drags the bat to get home.
11.3
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Goes fuller, does Patrick, aiming the off peg. Aiden Markram presses forward and solidly defends it out.
11.2
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Much closer to the stumps, nagging length. Aiden Markram responds again with that backfoot block.
11.1
0
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, Back of a length, just around off. Aiden Markram gets on the back foot and punches this straight back to the bowler.
Cummins from this end now? Indeed. 2-0-11-0 so far for the skipper.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs | HH: 47/1
10.6
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Shortish on off, Wiaan Mulder eases it back to the bowler. And finally, Australia have their first maiden of the 4th innings, in the 11th over.
10.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, around off, punched off the back foot to mid-wicket.
10.4
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, BEAUTY! How, has that missed the off stump? Touch full and spins sharply back into the batter from around off. Wiaan Mulder gets forward to play a casual on drive, with the spin, but plays this over the wrong line. The ball goes close to the inside edge and passes scaringly past the off stump.
10.3
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Drags the length back now, does Lyon, on middle. Wiaan Mulder steers this to the square leg region.
10.2
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Tossed up, fuller and just around off. Wiaan Mulder leans on with a huge stride to block it.
10.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Wiaan Mulder, Starts off with a length ball, does 'Garry', on off, and staying a tad low. Wiaan Mulder rocks back and stabs it back to the bowler.
Nathan Lyon is warming up. Suspect he will come from Hazlewood's end, who has bowled 5 overs in this spell. In fact, he is on from this end. So Cummins might switch ends in the next over. Lyon bowled with figures of 8-3-12-0 in the first innings. Did not threaten the batters but did not bowl loose balls. Cummins will expect same type of control for now. If Australia need wickets, they first need to slow down the run rate.
10
over
10 | 2 Runs | HH: 47/1
9.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full and just outside off, Aiden Markram exhibits a solid front foot defense.
9.5
1
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, A bit too straight, Mulder works this through square leg for a single.
9.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, outside off, Wiaan Mulder watches the ball closely and pushes it towards point.
9.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Full on off, Wiaan Mulder defends it off the front foot to short cover.
9.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball that seams in and stays a touch low, Wiaan Mulder does well to defend it.
9.1
1
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball on middle, Aiden Markram plays the flick along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
Worth giving Lyon the ball right now? Not yet. Lyon is someone who likes bounce. With the ball relatively new, he may not get turn, but can generate extra bounce to trouble the batters. For now, Hazlewood continues.
9
over
9 | 4 Runs | HH: 45/1
8.6
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Back of a length, outside off, Mulder lets it through.
8.5
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, around off, pushed towards mid on.
8.4
4
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! SMOKED! Terrific shot from Wiaan Mulder but not the best piece of fielding by Travis Head. A short ball, barely rises to chest height, Mulder picks the length in a trice and pulls it all along the ground through square leg. Head starts to run to his right but at the time of putting in a dive, does not put the dive and the ball meets the fence. 237 more needed.
8.3
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Overpitched on off, Wiaan Mulder eases the drive to short cover.
8.2
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Full on middle, Wiaan Mulder now defends it off the front foot to mid on.
8.1
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Back of a length, on middle, Wiaan Mulder blocks it off the back foot to mid on.
8
over
8 | 2 Runs | HH: 41/1
7.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full and straight, 135 kph, Aiden defends. Believe it or not, this is the most frugal over of the run chase.
7.5
2
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, On a length, outside off, Markram opens the face of his bat and guides it behind point. Nathan Lyon jogs across to his left at the sweeper cover boundary to keep the batters to a couple.
7.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Full, outside off, Aiden Markram gets a long way forward to defend the ball towards cover.
7.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball swinging in a touch, on middle and off, Aiden Markram is almost undone by the movement as he somehow gets an inside edge on it, and the ball crashes into his pads before going into the ground.
7.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball on off, Aiden Markram blocks it off the front foot, to the left of short cover.
7.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, A touch fuller, Aiden Markram didn't expect it to be that full and hence he didn't commit on the front foot and ends up defending it off the crease.
Interesting. Steve Smith has got the helmet on at second slip. But for that, the ball has to take the outside edge first.
7
over
7 | 7 Runs | HH: 39/1
6.6
4
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! Another fine stroke! On a length, outside off, Wiaan Mulder stands tall and upright and punches this past a diving point, to his right, for his third boundary! This stand is racing along at 30 (29)!
6.5
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller, outside off, Mulder comes forward to defend but the ball pitches and then moves away off the seam, to beat the outside edge.
6.4
2
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, A bit too straight, Wiaan Mulder leans and clips it through square leg. The immediate call is for two and the batters run extremely well to make it. This has been a fabulous start by South Africa on all accounts. Not only have they lost just the solitary wicket, they are going at 5 an over. Not even a single maiden!
6.3
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Good length again, on off, Wiaan Mulder uncomfortably defends it off the crease. That ball straightened a bit after pitching, and hence Wiaan Mulder was uncomfortable defending it.
6.2
0
Pat Cummins to Wiaan Mulder, Good length, seaming into the right hander, on middle and off, Wiaan Mulder defends it into the leg side.
6.1
1
Pat Cummins to Aiden Markram, On a length, on off, Aiden Markram defends it off the crease into the off side and calls for one straightaway. The gully fielder came running at the ball, but in the end the batters comfortably complete the single.
Bowling change. With the ball not swinging and Starc leaking runs, Pat Cummins brings himself on to exert some control.
6
over
6 | 4 Runs | HH: 32/1
5.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Full and around off, Wiaan is solid in defense.
5.5
4
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! SMASH! A rare bad ball from Josh Hazlewood, short and wide outside off, too good an opportunity to miss against the new ball. Mulder stands tall and crashes it to the left of point for his second boundary.
5.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, just outside off, Wiaan Mulder defends it towards cover.
5.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, angling into the right hander, on middle, Wiaan Mulder looks to flick it and misses, as the ball hits him near the stomach area. That would have hurt.
5.2
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Length ball, that shapes away slightly, well outside off, Wiaan Mulder leaves it alone.
5.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, On a length, swinging into the right hander on off, Wiaan Mulder blocks it off the front foot.
5
over
5 | 9 Runs | HH: 28/1
4.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Angling across off on a good length. Aiden Markram decides to shoulder arms. Two boundaries from this over, 9 overall coming off it.
4.5
4
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Placed perfectly into the gap! Hits the deck hard, does Starc, with a slight inward curve onto the pads. Aiden Markram hops on the back foot and clips this past square leg for a boundary. A lovely display of wristwork there.
4.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Going across off on a length, Aiden Markram plays it late and dabs the ball to the gully fielder.
4.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Shapes into the batter from middle, on a length. Aiden Markram gets right behind it and keeps it out to short cover.
4.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Markram is on the charge! A bit too full from Starc, across off, angling away. Aiden Markram pounces on the length and width offered, leans on the ball and cracks the cover drive for a boundary.
4.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Good length, on the leg stump line. Wiaan Mulder nudges this to the square leg region and pinches a quick single.
4
over
4 | 5 Runs | HH: 19/1
3.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Short of a length, on off, punched off the back foot to the cover region.
3.5
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Length ball, on the stumps, Aiden Markram blocks this out.
3.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, BEATEN! A superb response from 'The Hoff'! Just holds the line of the off stump, on a hard length, and the ball straightens a bit off the deck as well, with possibly some extra bounce. Aiden Markram gets a bit flummoxed by that, as he brings his bat in front to block. Plays inside the line and the ball whispers past the outside edge. Perfectly crafted nut from Hazlewood.
3.3
4
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, FOUR! Exquisite! Short of a good length from Hoff, outside off, Aiden Markram sees the ball closely, rocks back and punches through the cover region for a boundary.
3.2
1
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Good length, angled at the pads, Wiaan Mulder steers it through square leg for a single.
3.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Wiaan Mulder, Nagging length, with a bit of nip back in from off. Wiaan Mulder tucks it to mid-wicket.
Interesting tactics from the Aussies. In the Lunch break, Steve Smith and Beau Webster were practicing catching with their helmets on. It is never easy to catch at slip wearing a helmet and in recent memory, Joe Root was the first to advocate this. We saw Aiden Markram donning a helmet while fielding yesterday. Right now, none of the Aussie slip fielders have a helmet on but as the ball grows older and does not carry at a good height to Carey, suspect they might employ that tactic.
3
over
3 | 5 Runs | HH: 14/1
2.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Hard length, on middle and leg. Wiaan Mulder keeps it out and taps it to the cover region, for a quick single. A successful over for Starc and Australia, nonetheless.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Fuller and on off, pushed wide of cover.
2.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, FOUR! That's desperately played and placed! Back of a length, across off, Wiaan Mulder plays it late. Dabs the ball between the gully and the diving third slip fielder. The ball races away to the deep third fence for four.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Angled across the right hander, outside off, on a hard length. Wiaan lets it through.
2.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Wiaan Mulder, Full, on the stumps, Mulder pushes it straight back to Starc.
Wiaan Mulder walks in next at number 3, replacing Ryan Rickelton.
2.1
W
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Australia get their first breakthrough and Starc, first frustrated the Proteas with the bat, has now drawn the first blood with the ball. Mitchell Starc bowls this full and gets an away shape from outside off. Ryan Rickelton tries to squeeze the ball through the off side, but it is a bit too full and hence, he does not lay the bat properly on it. The ball passes close to the bat and Alex Carey does the rest behind the wickets, with a dive to his left. EDGED? Or did the ball bounce off the bat? This is the question. However, the Aussies are celebrating in unison but there is no reaction by the umpire. Ryan Rickelton is not going anywhere. And the third umpire is summoned to check whether it is a bump ball. The first replay shows the ball bouncing before the bat. Next, the UltraEdge comes up and shows a clean spike when the ball is next to the outside edge. So, it is not a bump ball and is a clean catch. South Africa are 9/1 as Ryan Rickelton departs quite early.
What's happened here? Ryan Rickelton played a loose drive and got a nick behind. The Aussies are claiming the catch but Rickelton feels that it is a bump catch. Referred upstairs by the umpire and the first replay indicates that it is a clean catch!
A game comes to mind. It was between England and India, in Birmingham, in 2022. After posting 416 in the first innings, India managed a lead of 132. They then gave a target of 378 to England. And the hosts gunned it down with 7 wickets to spare. This was on Day 4 and then Day 5. Just goes to show, that in England, the pitches tend to get better as the days progress.
2
over
2 | 3 Runs | HH: 9/0
1.6
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Nice and full this time around, aimed at the stumps. Aiden Markram presses forward and defends it right under his eyes.
1.5
2
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Keeps the line of attack on the off stump, does Josh Hazlewood, on a hard length. Aiden Markram weighs on the back foot and punches through the cover-point region for two runs.
1.4
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Straight and full, on off, Aiden Markram respects this and blocks it out.
1.3
0
Josh Hazlewood to Aiden Markram, Nagging length, on the stumps, worked to the mid on region.
1.2
1
Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, EDGED, SHORT! Full, outside off, Ryan Rickelton goes for the drive through the off side, but gets a thick healthy outside edge. The ball just doesn't get to the slip fielder. Beau Webster gets a bit of hand on the ball on his dive at second slip, and the ball rolls behind. Steve Smith from first slip chases it away as the ball slows down. A single taken.
1.1
0
Josh Hazlewood to Ryan Rickelton, Across the batter, and fuller, around off. Ryan Rickelton makes the leave.
Absolutely no sign of swing in that opening over. Josh Hazlewood will share the new ball with Starc.
1
over
1 | 6 Runs | HH: 6/0
0.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Back of a length, on the top of off, Ryan Rickelton gets on the back foot and works this to the mid off region for a quick single.
0.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Sprays this further down the leg stump now, Ryan lets it pass.
0.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, FOUR! Intent straightaway from Ryan Rickelton as he gets off the mark! A bit of a loosener from Starc, pushing it to the leg stump line, full in length. Ryan Rickelton flicks this through the square leg region for a boundary.
0.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, This one curves away a bit on and around off, on a length. Ryan Rickelton prods forward and blocks it out.
0.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ryan Rickelton, Bangs the ball hard onto the surface, does Starc, on middle. Ryan Rickelton hops a bit across and knocks the ball on the pitch.
0.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Markram and South Africa are underway in the chase. Starc begins from over the stumps, gets a bit of inward shape on middle, on a length. Aiden Markram stays leg side of the ball and taps it in front of mid off for a single.
South Africa
Aiden Markram
Bat/Bow
Ryan Rickelton
Bat/Bow
Wiaan Mulder
Bat/Bow
Temba Bavuma
CAP/Bat/Bow
Tristan Stubbs
Bat/Bow
David Bedingham
Bat/Bow
Kyle Verreynne
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Marco Jansen
Bat/Bow
Keshav Maharaj
Bat/Bow
Kagiso Rabada
Bat/Bow
Lungi Ngidi
Bat/Bow
Australia
Usman Khawaja
Bat/Bow
Marnus Labuschagne
Bat/Bow
Cameron Green
Bat/Bow
Steve Smith
Bat/Bow
Travis Head
Bat/Bow
Beau Webster
Bat/Bow
Alex Carey
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Pat Cummins
CAP/Bat/Bow
Mitchell Starc
Bat/Bow
Nathan Lyon
Bat/Bow
Josh Hazlewood
Bat/Bow
Match Details
SeriesICC World Test Championship Final, 2025VenueLord's Cricket Ground, LondonDate 11 Jun 2025 - 14 Jun 2025Toss SA, elected to field firstUmpiresChris Gaffaney (NZ), Richard Illingworth (ENG) and Richard Kettleborough (ENG)Match Result South Africa beat Australia by 5 wickets Player Of The Match Aiden Markram

Match Result Update: South Africa vs Australia, Final Test - ICC World Test Championship Final, 2025

The Final Test between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground, London ended with a win for South Africa, who successfully chased down a target of 282, winning the match by 5 wickets.

Aiden Markram anchored the innings with a brilliant 136 off 207, while Temba Bavuma provided key support with 66 runs. Together, they guided South Africa to 282/5 in 83.4 overs.

Match Summary:

  • Australia 1st Innings: 212

  • South Africa 1st Innings: 138

  • Australia 2nd Innings: 207

  • South Africa 2nd Innings: 282

Stay tuned for real-time commentary, ball-by-ball updates, and full scorecard details. Catch all the action from the ICC World Test Championship Final, 2025, including milestones, fall of wickets, and session-wise summaries - only on Indian Express Live Cricket Score Page.