On day three of the World Test Championship Final, we couldn’t pick just one player of the day so we decided to go with 2 players. These two players helped put South Africa in the driving seat which completely took Australia out of the game.

The players of the day are Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma.

The partnership was critical going into South Africa’s second innings after Australia were bowled out for 207 and set a target of 282. This meant that South Africa would need to score the highest total of the Test so far. There was a lot of pressure on all the batsmen after the first innings, but these two persevered and stuck to their game plan, stringing together a partnership of 143 from 38.2 overs. 

For Aiden Markram, his second innings was so important because in the first innings, he went for 0 runs only facing six balls and it was important that he showed that he could be one of the big game players in this Test. He was patient and executed his shots brilliantly during his knock which saw him score 102 from 159 balls getting his name on that honours board at Lord’s and showing everyone just how dangerous he can be.

For Temba Bavuma he continued to show his fight and carried on that fighting spirit into South Africa’s second innings. While in the middle Bavuma went down sustaining a left hamstring strain and it looked like he was going to come off as he was limping a lot. However, he stayed out there and put his body on the line for his team and his country. He ended the day on 65 from 121 balls. 

Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma stood tall when it mattered most, delivering a crucial partnership that shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favour. Markram’s century was a powerful response after his first innings duck, while Bavuma’s determination, even through injury, showed the grit that this team is built on. With only 69 runs left to win, South Africa are on the cusp of greatness.