South Africa Eyes World Test Championship Title as Markram Shines
South Africa's Path to Victory
New Delhi [India] - On June 14, as South Africa moved closer to clinching the World Test Championship (WTC) title, former captain Graeme Smith praised his team's batting display against Australia at Lord's.
After two days filled with intense bowling from both teams, resulting in 28 wickets, it was the South African bowlers who managed to conclude Australia's innings during a prime batting phase in this crucial match. This set the stage for the Proteas to take control, inching closer to breaking their 27-year ICC trophy drought.
With only 69 runs needed for victory, South Africa will resume on Day 4 with Aiden Markram (102 not out) and Temba Bavuma (65 not out), who have already forged a solid 143-run partnership for the third wicket.
During the ICC's Digital Daily recap alongside Crystal Arnold at the end of Day 3, Smith commended the efforts of the Proteas, particularly highlighting Bavuma's leadership.
“This Test match has seen its share of ups and downs. South Africa has shown resilience, bouncing back from a 75-run deficit in the first innings. Their bowling has been commendable, allowing them to regain momentum. The batting performance has been exceptional,” Smith remarked, as reported by the ICC.
“The pitch seemed to lose its vitality today. South Africa had to work hard for those two wickets. However, Aiden Markram's innings was remarkable, and the partnership with Bavuma was crucial. They needed to extend that partnership, and they did just that. Now, only 69 runs stand between them and the World Test Championship,” he added.
The duo appeared composed even under the pressure of a World Test Championship Final at Lord's, with Markram's century dominating the headlines of Day 3.
Smith believes Markram will be pivotal in the chase, showcasing his natural ability to score freely.
“I had a feeling he would be key from the start of this innings. If South Africa is to succeed, he is the one to watch because he keeps the scoreboard moving. He certainly did that today. It’s a significant occasion for him to step up and perform, especially after a duck in the first innings,” the 44-year-old noted.
“His performance was a joy to witness from the outset. He looked solid in his stance. There was a moment when he played a punch off the back foot, and you knew he was in the zone. Both he and Temba will feel exhausted tonight, but it’s essential to celebrate their remarkable partnership and Markram's incredible century,” he concluded.