Starc leads rearguard as AUS set daunting total | Day 3, Session 1 Highlights | WTC25 Final
Mitchell Starc scores a vital half-century as Australia set a total of 282 on Day 3 for South Africa at Lord's.
By Jonathan Healy, at Lord's
A half-century from Mitchell Starc allowed Australia's tail to wag on the third day at Lord's, with South Africa now requiring 282 runs for victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final.
Starc contributed an unbeaten 58 on the third morning and combined with Josh Hazlewood (17) for a valuable partnership of 59 for the 10th wicket as the Aussies were bowled out for 207 on the stroke of lunch on Friday, leaving the Proteas with a tough run chase.
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Mitchell Starc's 58 and Alex Carey's 43 propelled Australia's lead to 281 in the third innings at Lord's.
But the Proteas will be buoyed by the fact Starc and Hazlewood looked comfortable at the crease during their stand, with Kagiso Rabada and South Africa's strong pace attack failing to get much life out of a Lord's pitch that now appears good for batting.
Rabada removed Nathan Lyon for two early on the third day for his ninth wicket of the Final, but Starc and Hazlewood batted smartly to push Australia's lead close to 300 with the sun out on a hot day in north London.
South Africa will need to score the highest total of the match if they are to claim the World Test Championship mace, while Australia will be confident their experienced bowlers can skittle the Proteas for a second time.
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The match ends what has been a gripping World Test Championship cycle, where the Proteas won seven straight Test matches to seal their spot in the decider, while Australia are looking to become the first team to claim back-to-back championships, with the concept commencing in 2019.
South Africa XI: 1. Aiden Markram, 2. Ryan Rickelton, 3. Wiaan Mulder, 4. Temba Bavuma (c), 5. Tristan Stubbs, 6. David Bedingham, 7. Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Keshav Maharaj, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Lungi Ngidi
Australia XI: 1. Usman Khawaja, 2. Marnus Labuschagne, 3. Cameron Green, 4. Steve Smith, 5. Travis Head, 6. Beau Webster, 7. Alex Carey (wk), 8. Pat Cummins (c), 9. Mitchell Starc, 10. Nathan Lyon, 11. Josh Hazlewood
LIVE: Starc has two as South Africa falter in pursuit of 282
LIVE: Starc has two as South Africa falter in pursuit of 282
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