AUS vs SA: Markram’s Resilience Shines as Starc Strikes in Gripping WTC Final 2025 Contest

AUS vs SA : Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 49 anchors South Africa’s fightback in the WTC Final 2025 vs Australia. Starc strikes twice; Proteas trail by 188 runs at Tea on Day 3.

Day 3 of the World Test Championship Final 2025 between Australia and South Africa has brought the contest to an intense tipping point, with both teams showing grit and intent. The AUS vs SA clash at The Oval in London is unfolding into a classic Test showdown, as Aiden Markram played a composed knock to lead South Africa’s run chase after Mitchell Starc’s game-changing contributions with both bat and ball.

After being set a challenging target of 282, South Africa reached 94/2 at Tea, with Markram unbeaten on 49, guiding the innings with maturity and purpose. Earlier in the day, it was Starc who turned the tide in Australia’s favor, first by frustrating South Africa with the bat and then removing two key wickets during their chase.

Starc’s Heroics Continue: Fifty with the Bat and Crucial Wickets

The morning session saw Australia, beginning the day at 197/9, stretch their second innings to 207 all out, thanks largely to Starc’s defiant 50 off 132 balls. He partnered Josh Hazlewood (17) in a 63-run last-wicket stand that sapped the South African bowlers’ energy. It was one of the slowest but most significant knocks from a No. 9 in recent Test memory, wearing down the Proteas on a pitch that had flattened out under the sun.

That stubborn effort meant South Africa needed 282 runs to win their first-ever World Test Championship title.

South Africa’s Response: Early Setback, Then Markram Leads Recovery

The Proteas’ innings started on a shaky note when Ryan Rickelton edged a full outswinger from Starc in the third over, departing for just 6. But Markram and Wiaan Mulder stitched together a stabilizing 61-run partnership, combining patience with occasional aggression, especially through the covers.

With Australia’s bowlers striving to break the rhythm, Nathan Lyon was introduced before the first hour ended. Just when the partnership looked threatening, Starc returned with a clever change of angle around the wicket and induced a mistimed shot from Mulder (27), caught at cover by Marnus Labuschagne.

Bavuma Survives Early Scare, Steve Smith Injured

South African skipper Temba Bavuma had a slice of luck early in his innings when Steve Smith, stationed at wide slip, dropped a catch off Starc. In the process, Smith injured his hand and had to leave the field, raising concerns for Australia’s already fatigued field unit.

Despite the scare, Markram and Bavuma ensured South Africa stayed in the contest with smart strike rotation and calm presence at the crease. By Tea on Day 3, they had brought the chase down to a manageable 188 more runs required, with eight wickets in hand and momentum slightly tilting toward the Proteas.

Pitch Eases Up, But Pressure Builds

For the first time in this tightly contested final, the pitch at The Oval offered favorable batting conditions under clear skies. The outfield quickened, and stroke-making looked smoother, evident in South Africa’s nearly 5-run-per-over tempo during the initial session. However, Australia’s experience, especially in high-pressure scenarios, remains a looming factor as the match progresses.

AUS vs SA Satellite Imagery Reveals Strategic Conditions

According to AUS vs SA match officials and broadcasters, satellite imaging used by the ICC production team confirmed how the morning’s dry weather led to noticeable easing in pitch moisture, allowing batters to settle in better compared to the first two days. This shift played a vital role in South Africa’s confident start to the chase.

What Next for AUS vs SA?

With only two days left and both teams still very much in the game, the AUS vs SA WTC Final 2025 is headed for a riveting climax. South Africa’s hopes rest on Markram’s continued composure and Bavuma’s leadership, while Australia will bank on Starc, Lyon, and the return of a possibly-fit Steve Smith to trigger a collapse.

Whatever happens, Day 4 promises high-octane action as the battle for Test cricket’s biggest crown reaches its zenith.

Brief Scores:
Australia 212 & 207 (Mitchell Starc 50, Hazlewood 17; Rabada 3-46)
South Africa 138 & 94/2 (Aiden Markram 49*; Starc 2-37)
Target: 282 | South Africa need 188 more runs with 8 wickets in hand

Report by TODAY SCOOP NEWS