New Delhi [India], June 14: South Africa moved within touching distance of their first ICC trophy in 27 years on Friday, thanks to a dominant batting performance against Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s. Former South African captain Graeme Smith praised the team’s resilience and lauded the crucial partnership between Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma.
After two action-packed days that saw 28 wickets fall, South Africa wrestled control of the match on Day 3. Their bowlers wrapped up Australia’s innings during the most favorable batting conditions, paving the way for the batters to take charge. By stumps, the Proteas needed just 69 more runs to win, with Markram unbeaten on 102 and skipper Bavuma steady on 65.
Appearing on ICC’s Digital Daily with Crystal Arnold, Smith commended the team’s comeback from a first-innings deficit of 75 runs and praised their disciplined batting.
“We’ve seen such ups and downs in this Test match — the game swinging back and forth. South Africa bowled themselves back into it and now have batted beautifully. It’s been an outstanding batting performance,” Smith said, adding that Markram and Bavuma’s third-wicket stand of 143 was pivotal.
Smith emphasized how the Lord’s pitch had flattened out, aiding the Proteas’ cause. “The pitch just looked like it really lost its life. But what an innings from Aiden Markram, and a brilliant partnership with Bavuma. As a captain, Bavuma kept extending the stand — exactly what was needed,” he noted.
Markram’s century was especially lauded by Smith, who backed him before the innings even began. “I picked him at the start. If South Africa were going to win, he had to be the guy. He takes the game on and keeps the scoreboard moving. Coming off a duck in the first innings, the way he rebounded was just incredible,” Smith said.
Describing Markram’s intent and composure, Smith said his shot selection and body language early in the innings showed he was in command. “That one punch off the back foot — you just knew he was on. Him and Temba will be exhausted, but tonight, they can celebrate a great partnership and an unforgettable century.”
With just 69 runs needed on Day 4, South Africa stands on the cusp of their maiden WTC title and a long-awaited return to ICC glory.