South Africa are within touching distance of World Test Championship victory as Aiden Markram hit an unbeaten century.
The Proteas are just 69 runs away from the title after a tricky start to day three of five against Australia at Lord’s.
The Aussies seemed to have started well, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood partnering to muster 59 for their last wicket in the morning, but they were dismissed fully for 207 just before lunch.
Starc’s 58 was the Aussies’ top tally, with Alex Carey adding 43 from the middle-order as Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi took four and three wickets apiece.
It left the Proteas needing to chase down 282 to close out victory, and they will go into day four knowing that they are almost there, largely thanks to Markram’s magic at the crease.
Markram, who had not played competitive red-ball cricket since January, built up a 143 partnership with captain Temba Bavuma, who himself notched an unbeaten 65 and will continue to partner Markram going into what will surely be the final day’s play.
Victory for South Africa would mean winning their first major men’s title since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
