Proteas on cusp of immortality with Markram-Bavuma stand taking them just 69 runs short of the 282-run target.
Markram and Bavuma put Proteas on cusp of glory.
South Africa is capable of dreaming. They came within 69 runs of winning the World Test Championship, which would be the greatest hour for a cricket nation rich in history but lacking in trophy, with Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma playing the most important innings of their careers, the latter despite suffering a hamstring injury.
With Markram achieving his ninth Test century from 156 deliveries in the final seconds of the day, the two added 143 in 38 overs of superbly controlled batting, a partnership that, barring unusual circumstances on the fourth morning, will go down in South African legend.
On a ground that was ideal for batting in the Test since the sun was out for the majority of the day, they resisted everything Australia threw at them. What was to happen was predicted by the manner Australia’s last-wicket duo of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood had previously added 59 in 22 overs.
When Australia started defending 282, they felt like favourites. There was a noticeable eagerness to South Africa’s batting despite Ryan Rickelton’s early dismissal after he edged a very full delivery from Starc, which the third umpire affirmed. They were 47 for 1 after ten this time, but in the first innings it took until the 20th over to reach 30 (by which time three wickets had been lost).
Wiaan Mulder was caught low at cover after another strike from Starc, but a crucial moment came when Bavuma, on 2, edged to Steven Smith at first slip. As the carry off the surface continued to diminish, Smith was standing so close—he was wearing a helmet—that the chance exploded through his hands, causing a complex dislocation of his right little finger. He fled the pitch right away, the pain evident on his face. It was probably shared by his teammates by the end of the day.
Bavuma had a hamstring injury just before tea, but he refused to let it stop him from alternating between the wickets with some brisk strokeplay. To stop Bavuma, it would take much more than a strained muscle. However, it was debatable if Australia could have applied a lot of pressure to an injured batter on the field.
Markram had almost no flaws. Along with a string of impressive boundaries, none better than the back-cut off Starc, which accurately split deep third and deep point and left the bowler raising his arms in disgust, he kept the scoreboard moving, as Australia only managed three maidens in 56 overs.
His climactic moment came with a lash into the side of his leg as the close drew closer and it seemed he might have to wait until morning.
Pat Cummins considered every possibility, but nothing could summon the time to unlock the door. While Travis Head’s opening delivery frayed harshly at Markram, Lyon caused some trouble out of the rough and got quite close on a few occasions. Today, they will require a miracle.