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.
South Africa vs Australia
34.2
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, mis-timed to short leg for no runs, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
34.1
Kagiso Rabada to Steve Smith. Out-swinging back of a length, wide outside off stump on the back foot cutting, mis-timed to short extra cover for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
33.6
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. Half volley, off stump on the front foot working, to mid on for 1 run, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
33.5
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot flick, inside edge to short mid wicket for no runs, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
33.5
No ball Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to mid on and it was a no ball, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
33.4
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
33.3
Lungi Ngidi to Beau Webster. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the front foot working, to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Rickelton.
South Africa vs Australia
33.2
Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, outside off stump on the back foot defending, to mid wicket for 1 run, fielded by Maharaj.
South Africa vs Australia
33.2
No ball Lungi Ngidi to Steve Smith. In-swinging back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pulling, hit pad to short leg and it was a no ball, fielded by Rickelton.
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