The World Test Championships Final 2025 has captivated all of us in the first three days and at the end of Day 3, the balance of power lies with South Africa as they are really close of making history. South Africa has reached this position thanks not only to Aiden Markram who has scored a superb unbeaten hundred, but also to captain Temba Bavuma who has battled adversity through a right hamstring injury to play an unbeaten knock and lead from the front.
After Australia frustrated South Africa by adding 63 more runs to their overnight tally and taking the lead to 281 thanks to Mitchell Starc’s 58*, it was important South Africa get off to a solid start. But they lost Ryan Rickelton early. Then Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder brought South Africa back on track with a 61-run stand but when Mulder was dismissed for 27 the score was 70/2 and the game was on the line when the captain walked out to the middle.
Temba Bavuma battles hamstring injury to play an inspirational knock
At 70/2, the pressure was on South Africa and the Australian bowlers were breathing fire. The captain Bavuma may have made some errors in the field earlier on, but now it was the time to perform as a batter and lead his side from the front. He showed positive intent from the word go by playing a lofted cover drive by coming down the track.
Temba Bavuma was given a lifeline when he was batting on 5 when Steve Smith at first slip standing up close and ahead of the keeper dropped him and in the process got injured to walk off the field. It was important for Bavuma to make the most of it and soon he had to face his own issues. While running a single before Tea, he injured his right hamstring and had to receive considerable medical treatment. At Tea on Day 3, Bavuma was 11* and there were doubts from some whether he would resume after the break.
What followed was nothing sort of inspirational as Bavuma fought through the pain barrier and built up a partnership with Aiden Markram. He had pain killers and was struggling to run between the wickets. But he never gave up and played his shots when required. He had a positive outlook towards the match and played the ball to its merit.
Temba Bavuma did not allow his injury to affect Markram who was the aggressor of the two. Bavuma held one end up beautifully. Towards the end when Nathan Lyon was getting purchase, he was not hesitant in playing the slog sweep to the off-spinner even on one leg. He completed one of the most important hard fought fifty in the match and is batting on 65* off 121 balls at the close of play. Aiden Markram has completed his century and is batting on 102* off 159 balls as the duo has shared what is proving to be a match-defining 143* run stand for the third wicket.
Temba Bavuma’s Tryst With Injuries in the Past; Cummins’ defensive captaincy
Temba Bavuma has had an injury filled career and has had to miss a lot of games for South Africa. Hamstring injuries are not uncommon for him as he has suffered it in the past most notably in the 2023 ODI World Cup where he managed it and missed a few games here and there.
Add to that, Temba Bavuma has had a chronic elbow injury which he has had to work with and did not get surgery but from time to time to manage it, he has had to miss games and interim captains have had to take charge of the team. But what Bavuma has shown is tremendous courage and will power to perform and has earned the respect of many pundits and experts. He wants the WTC title badly and so far he has been unbeaten in his small sample size Test career as captain. The way the match is positioned indicates that Bavuma’s record may not be in danger.
What was noticeable yesterday and this was a rarity was Pat Cummins the Australian captain was defensive in the field. Known for his attacking mindset and foresightedness, Cummins went on the defensive and went to save runs rather than look for wickets. There was deep extra cover and deep point in place while Markram and Bavuma were batting and it meant taking singles became easier for the duo.
By the time, Cummins went back into attacking mode, both the batters were well set and with the pitch not offering much help for the bowlers, it was a hard toil for the Australian bowlers. More than anything, one would have to say that South Africa applied themselves and denied the great Australian bowling attack.
What Lies Ahead.Â
So, the stage is set for the finale of the WTC final. We will possibly need one more session to find out who wins this one, the way this match is set up. South Africa are 213/2 in 56 overs with Aiden Markram on 102* and Temba Bavuma on 65*. They need a further 69 runs with 8 wickets in hand.
The Proteas’ aim will be simple. To carry on the good work and knock the remaining runs off with minimal damage to the wickets column. Australia will want early wickets on Day 4 and in clusters to create panic and flutter in the South African dressing room. They need 8 wickets before South Africa score those remaining 69 runs. Only a dramatic collapse can help Australia from this predicament.
So, South Africa have their noses in front, but Australia are not out of it knowing their DNA of being a Champions’ side. It will be intriguing to see the conditions on offer on Day 4 at Lord’s. Will South Africa create history by winning an ICC title after 27 years? Or will Australia roar back in the contest and defend their WTC crown? Only time will tell as we get closer to match action on Day 4.\
Also Read: ICC WTC 2023-25: Aiden Markram’s 102 Steers South Africa To A Match Winning Position