Aiden Markram’s century put South Africa close to their first World Test Championship title, ending day three at 213-2, requiring 69 runs to win. Markram scored 102 not out, supporting Bavuma’s gritty 65. Despite their strong position, past disappointments loom, and caution remains against a seasoned Australian team.
Aiden Markram’s impressive century has brought South Africa tantalizingly close to their first World Test Championship title. On day three at Lord’s, they ended the day on 213-2, just 69 runs shy of a remarkable win against Australia, with eight wickets still in hand. This performance is monumental as it could mark a new chapter in South African cricket history.
Markram, who had a rough first innings with a duck, bounced back to score a steady 102 not out. Team captain Temba Bavuma also played a crucial role, contributing 65 not out despite dealing with a hamstring injury. Their partnership has been vital, totaling 143 runs and putting South Africa in a strong position against Australia, needing just 282 runs to win.
However, despite their commanding position, there’s a sense of caution in the South African camp. The team is conscious of their history in major ICC tournaments, having only secured a senior men’s title back in 1998. Fans are understandably reserved, sensing the presence of a resilient Australian side that holds the title from the last World Test Championship.
Ashwell Prince, the batting coach, expressed delight over Markram’s performance and the partnership with Bavuma, but underscored the importance of maintaining focus. “There was great joy in the changing room for Aiden’s hundred, and his partnership with Temba is one of the finest in South African cricket,” Prince stated, though he quickly reminded everyone, “But the job is not yet done.”
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder emphasized the shift in mindset that fueled their comeback from a dismal first innings of just 138. “We had to go for it, regardless of what Australia posted,” he told Sky Sports, noting that there was a lot less fear of failure this time around.
Earlier in the day, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc showcased his skills with a vital innings. His unbeaten 58 helped lift Australia to 207 in their second innings before he made inroads with the ball, dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Mulder and putting South Africa in a precarious position at 70-2.
Starc nearly added Bavuma to his wicket tally, but a critical missed catch by Steve Smith at slip helped South Africa build momentum. Markram took full advantage, consistently finding the boundary, while Bavuma, despite his obvious discomfort, exhibited his characteristic grit.
Australia’s bowlers fought hard but felt the absence of Smith’s leadership, and Nathan Lyon was close to making breakthroughs but couldn’t quite seal the deal. Bavuma reached his fifty off 83 balls, showing substantial determination, with Markram celebrating his century with a stylish flick through midwicket for his 11th boundary.
Things had started well for South Africa earlier, with Kagiso Rabada taking out Lyon lbw to leave Australia struggling at 148-9. Yet, Starc and Josh Hazlewood frustrated South Africa with a 59-run final-wicket partnership before Markram ended it his way. Rabada finished the innings with four wickets, contributing significantly to both his team’s performance and his standout status.
South Africa stands on the edge of a historic victory in cricket, with the potential to change their narrative if they can just complete the chase successfully.
In summary, Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma’s partnership, combined with a fierce South African bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada, has positioned South Africa for a historic win at Lord’s. However, they must manage their nerves and execute the final chase against a tenacious Australian side, aware of the heavy weight of past disappointments in major tournaments. A potential triumph could rewrite their legacy in cricket, shifting the narrative from heartbreak to glory.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
