Markram Rises, Bavuma Battles: South Africa One Step from WTC Crown

It’s not often you are chasing a score of over 280 in a World Test Championship final — and feel in charge of the pursuit. But that is exactly where South Africa sit after Day 3 at Lord’s, aided by a fantastic century from Aiden Markram and a warrior-like innings from a limping Temba Bavuma. With the target now just 69 with eight wickets remaining, South Africa’s dream of lifting their first WTC title feels more real than ever.

Bathed in London sunshine and on a wicket that had finally mellowed after two days of basic mischief, Markram and Bavuma turned the match on its head with a partnership, not merely about runs, but about resistance, rhythm, and rewriting the narrative.

Markram Finds Poetry in Pressure

Markram’s eighth Test ton—and undoubtedly his best—was a case study in controlled aggression and awareness of the game situation. Chasing backgrounds in a final is not your usual task in the fourth innings, but Markram made it look like a casual Sunday net session at Centurion.

What helped make Markram’s knock special was not only the strokeplay (the cover drives were breathtaking) but also the control. He soaked up Starc’s early fire, capitalised when Lyon came on, and never let the scoreboard stop ticking. He reached 100 off 157 balls, and although he did slow down in the 90s, the eventual flick to mid-wicket to bring up 100 was pure class.

This wasn’t just a ton. This was a statement from a player who is often caught in the “talented but inconsistent” discussion. He produced a classic at the biggest stage.

Bavuma’s Grit Adds the Glue

And while Markram produced the work of art, Bavuma offered the canvas. Overcoming an obviously hamstring niggle and a life from Steve Smith before the first drinks, South Africa’s captain showed heart counts as much as technique.

He ran the singles when most would’ve hobbled. He gritted his teeth and bore the pain post Tea, then brought up his 25th Test fifty through sheer will. He may not attract much air time on any highlights reel, anything like the coverage Markram’s strokes will get, but in context, this was huge.

Bavuma came to the crease when South Africa were wobbling a little at 70/2, and when the stumps were drawn, the score was 143 naught. Australia was left scratching for answers.

Australia’s Frustration Grows as Lord’s Flattens Out

For Pat Cummins and the Australian team, this was starting to feel like a day of diminishing returns. After Starc picked up two wickets to end the afternoon session, the Australians sat hopeful that they could take advantage and go on with it. Hey met resistance not with fire, but with a serene, classy wall they couldn’t break.

The ball was changed, the fields were funky, and even Marnus Labuschagne had a run with the ball. But nothing worked. Lyon got spin but got no rewards, and with Smith injured and Hazlewood tiring, the Australians had none of the venom they had early in the match.

If they don’t break the shackles early on Day 4, this final might fizzle out more quickly than a Lord’s morning session.

History beckons South Africa; they need just 69 runs to answer the call. They have two set batters, a placid surface, and an Australian side starting to feel a bit of pressure. Everything is in their favour.

This wasn’t just a good day for South Africa; this was a landmark day. If they can remain composed tomorrow morning, they won’t just win a match—they’ll create a Test cricket legend.