Aiden Markram Anchors South Africa’s Comeback in WTC Final 2025

The World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground took a gripping turn on Day 3 as Aiden Markram led a resilient South African counter-attack against a dominant Australian men’s cricket team. With Australia posting a massive first-innings total, the South Africa national cricket team needed a strong reply—and Markram delivered exactly that.

🧱 Aiden Markram’s Composed Masterclass

Coming in with his team under pressure in the AUS vs SA clash, Markram displayed composure and shot selection that turned the momentum in South Africa’s favour. He reached his half-century with confident strokes, driving and pulling with elegance despite the overcast conditions.

Markram’s innings stood out for:

• Patience against Josh Hazlewood’s accurate spells
• Timing and placement through gaps
• Building steady partnerships with Temba Bavuma and Heinrich Klaasen

By Tea on Day 3, Markram had crossed 80*, playing the role of an anchor in what could be a career-defining knock in the SA vs AUS showdown.

🧤 Australian Bowlers Make Proteas Work

While Markram held one end, the Australian men’s cricket team bowlers tested the Proteas lineup with swing and bounce. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon rotated spells efficiently, ensuring South Africa never settled completely.

Key spells:

• Hazlewood removing Dean Elgar early
• Lyon troubling right-handers with sharp turn
• Cummins testing Klaasen with short balls

However, Markram’s determination stood tall, frustrating the Aussies on a pitch that had started to ease out slightly.

🏟️ Match Situation: Day 3 – Tea Session Update

• Australia First Innings: 408 all out
• South Africa First Innings: 225/4 at Tea on Day 3
• Trail by: 183 runs
• Wickets in hand: 6

With Markram set and the lower middle-order—including Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada—capable of late runs, South Africa has a fighting chance to close the gap and avoid a follow-on.

🔮 What Lies Ahead

The final two days at Lord’s will be crucial in this WTC Final. If Markram can push on and convert this into a century, South Africa vs Australia could become a classic. But with the Australian attack relentless and conditions still tricky, it’s far from over.

🔗 Highlights: Markram’s Key Shots – ICC Video