South Africa v Australia live: Cricket score and updates from World Test Championship final
Follow all the action as the World Test Championship final begins at Lord’s
Follow live coverage of South Africa v Australia from the ICC World Test Championship final today.
The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021, before Australia assumed the crown in 2023.
Australia captain Pat Cummins said defending the title was high on the priority list, even after all their country’s success in the limited-overs formats. “It’s a trophy we’ve spoken a lot about over the last couple of years. Test cricket is my favourite format. You’ve got to basically win in all different conditions to make it into this final. If we can retain that mace, that’s a pretty awesome thing for this team.”
South Africa are meanwhile backing fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to bring extra motivation after serving a one-month drugs ban. Rabada tested positive for cocaine in January, which was only revealed in April, and served a one-month ban while competing in the Indian Premier League. “It’s definitely a motivation, It’s been a couple of weeks now that everything has unfolded,” Bavuma said.
Follow all the latest live coverage of today’s match in the live blog below.
OUT! Steven Smith c Jansen b Markram 66, Australia 146/5 (42)
What a moment! Done in by the part time offie!
Oh, Steven. Australia’s No 4 had looked absolutely nailed on for another Lord’s ton, cruising up past 50 and onwards having found a willing and able parnter in Beau Webster. But that’s a really soft dismissal, a hard-handed clap at a wide half-volley that Smith doesn’t quite get to, and a thick edge eventually clasped by the long fingers of Marco Jansen at the third or fourth attempt. It did feel like a bit of a strange choice from Temba Bavuma to throw the ball to Aiden Markram given how well his seamers have bowled - but he’s got the key wicket and South Africa can now eye inroads into the tail.
South Africa vs Australia
42.2
No ball Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to cover and it was a no ball, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
42.1
No ball Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot driving, mis-timed to short extra cover and it was a no ball.
South Africa vs Australia
42.1
FOUR! Wiaan Mulder to Beau Webster. Out-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot driving, well timed past deep cover for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
41.6
OUT! Caught. Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break half volley, wide outside off stump on the front foot driving, outside edge to first slip, caught by Jansen.
South Africa vs Australia
41.5
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, off stump on the front foot driving, to short mid wicket for no runs, run save by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
41.4
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to backward square leg for no runs.
South Africa vs Australia
41.3
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
41.2
Aiden Markram to Steve Smith. Off break length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, Play and Miss (Leg Side) for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
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