Markram, sent packing for a duck in the first innings, turned his season around in style, playing a calm and commanding eighth Test century. His innings was not redemption alone — it was a statement. At the other end, Bavuma battled past a perceptible hamstring problem to steady the ship with a patient and gritty 65* — a captain’s performance under pressure.
Early Jitters, Then a Steadying Hand
The pursuit did not get off to a smooth start. South Africa lost their opener Ryan Rickelton early, caught behind for six after going for a wide outswinger from Mitchell Starc in only the third over. But Wiaan Mulder and Markram soon settled the nerves.
The pair contributed 61 swift runs for the second wicket, combining caution with audacity. They were particularly dominating through the covers, capitalizing on any width provided. Their smooth run-a-ball forced Australia to introduce Nathan Lyon before the first drinks interval — an unusual early use for the off-spinner.
Starc, however, struck once again on the eve of Tea. Banging it round the wicket, he tempted Mulder into a loose drive, and Marnus Labuschagne pulled off a sharp catch at cover. Mulder’s 27 from 50 was precious, but Bavuma and Markram now had to take the chase ahead.
A Gritty Fightback
Bavuma’s luck came very early when Steve Smith dropped him at slip on only 2 — a difficult chance and one which also injured Smith’s hand and saw him leave the ground for the remainder of the day.
That was followed by a masterclass in temperament and game awareness. Bavuma and Markram shared strike smoothly, punished loose bowling, and never let the scorecard become stagnant. By Tea, South Africa had gained a slight upper hand in the match.
In the last session, they persevered. Australia’s bowlers, particularly Lyon, worked hard. The pitch had begun to provide some turn, and the Aussies experimented with everything — unorthodox fields, part-time spinners, even ball change after the 53rd over — but nothing could unsettle the maturing third-wicket partnership.
Even with his hamstring issues, Bavuma achieved his 25th Test half-century in 83 balls. Markram, on the other hand, went about with quiet confidence, gradually narrowing the gap to the target. He was cautious in the 90s, playing himself in, before completing his hundred with a sweep through midwicket off Josh Hazlewood — a moment of pure joy in the last but one over before stumps.
Earlier in the Day: Aussie Tail Wags
Australia had started the day looking to extend their lead, and their lower order obliged. After losing Nathan Lyon early to Rabada, Starc and Hazlewood built a vital 63-run stand for the last wicket, keeping the South African bowlers at bay all through the morning session.
Starc’s combat half-century — his eighth in Tests — was constructed off the 132 balls, a mix of determination and periodic luck, including a thick inside edge that went over the slips. Hazlewood assisted him admirably with 17, before it was part-timer Markram who struck just before Lunch to get Australia bowled out for 207, leaving South Africa a target of 282.
At Stumps: Advantage South Africa
With 69 runs required and two set batsmen at the crease, South Africa are solidly in the driver’s seat. The Lord’s pitch, for the first time seeming batter-friendly on Day 3, presents them with a golden chance to write history.
Barring Australia delivering something exceptional on Day 4, the Proteas seem destined to win their first World Test Championship title — a reward for grit, redemption, and extraordinary character.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 212 & 207 (Starc 50, Rabada 3-42)
South Africa: 138 & 213/2 (Markram 102*, Bavuma 65*; Starc 2-53)
South Africa require 69 more runs to win with 8 wickets remaining.
Also Read : Sammy on Pooran’s Shock Retirement: “More Players Will Follow”
