The 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia is underway at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground in London, commencing on June 11th. Day three proved to be a mixed bag for the South African team.
Aiden Markram: South African opening batsman Aiden Markram created history in the 2025 WTC final, providing cricket fans with memorable moments. After being dismissed for a duck in the first innings at the historic Lord's, he scored a century in the second innings, not only bolstering his team's comeback but also setting several new records. Markram's innings will be remembered in cricket history as a "glorious comeback."
First Innings Flop, Second Innings Historic
The first innings of the WTC final was disappointing for South Africa, particularly for Aiden Markram, who was bowled by Mitchell Starc in the very first over. But a true cricketer rises after falling. In the second innings, when the team needed stability, Markram scored an unbeaten 102 runs off 159 balls, bringing his team to the brink of victory.
When the third day's play began, Australia appeared to be in a commanding position. The partnership between Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood had propelled Australia to a b position, setting South Africa a challenging target of 282 runs.
As soon as Ryan Rickelton was dismissed in the second innings, a wave of anxiety swept through the South African camp. However, Markram not only remained steadfast at the crease but also played shots according to the situation. By the end of the third day's play, South Africa had reached 213/2, needing only 69 more runs for victory.
Markram Breaks Several Records
- Aiden Markram's innings created history.
- He became the first batsman to score a century in the fourth innings of a WTC Final. Previously, no batsman had scored beyond a half-century in the fourth innings of a title match.
- He became the first South African player to score a century in the fourth innings at Lord's.
- Only six overseas batsmen had previously scored a century in the fourth innings at Lord's: Don Bradman, Gordon Greenidge, Michael Clarke, Roy Fredericks, Ajit Agarkar, and Gordon.
- He became the ninth batsman in the world to score a duck and a century in the same Test match. Misbah-ul-Haq achieved this feat in 2016.
- This was Markram's eighth Test century, three of which were scored in the fourth innings.
Three Centuries in the Fourth Innings as an Opener – Joining an Exclusive Club
- Sunil Gavaskar – 4 centuries
- Graeme Smith – 4 centuries
- Geoffrey Boycott – 3
- Gordon Greenidge – 3
- Graham Gooch – 3
- Herbert Sutcliffe – 3
- Now Aiden Markram – 3
Bouncing back from a first-innings duck is mentally challenging for any player. But the way Aiden Markram composed himself and scored a century in a high-pressure final is a testament to his mental strength and cricketing acumen. This innings was not just about runs; it was an inspirational story.
