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
21.4
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, wide outside off stump on the front foot shoulders arms, Left for no runs, fielded by Verreynne.
South Africa vs Australia
21.3
FOUR! Marco Jansen to Steve Smith. In-swinging length ball, wide outside off stump on the back foot cutting, well timed past deep backward point for 4 runs.
South Africa vs Australia
21.2
Marco Jansen to Travis Head. Out-swinging half volley, outside off stump on the front foot pushing, to deep point for 1 run, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
21.1
Marco Jansen to Steve Smith. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot driving, well timed to deep extra cover for 3 runs, fielded by Bavuma.
South Africa vs Australia
20.6
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot cutting, well timed to deep backward point for 2 runs, fielded by Stubbs.
South Africa vs Australia
20.5
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot glancing, to fine leg for 1 run, fielded by Ngidi.
South Africa vs Australia
20.4
Wiaan Mulder to Steve Smith. Length ball, outside off stump on the front foot defending, to silly mid on for no runs, dropped catch by Mulder, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
20.3
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head. Length ball, outside off stump on the back foot working, to mid on for 1 run, fielded by Rabada.
South Africa vs Australia
20.2
Wiaan Mulder to Travis Head. Back of a length, outside off stump on the back foot pushing, to mid off for no runs, fielded by Bavuma.
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