The 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's has entered a thrilling phase after an extraordinary performance by Australia's Mitchell Starc on Day 3. Starting the day with a lead of 218 runs and two wickets in hand, Australia found themselves in a precarious position at 73-7, but Starc's gritty and historic innings propelled them to a commanding position, setting South Africa a daunting target of 282 runs to chase in the final innings.
Mitchell Starc, traditionally known for his lethal pace bowling, showcased his resilience and batting prowess in a masterclass of lower-order batting. Starc scored an unbeaten 58 runs off 136 balls, the highest individual score for Australia in their second innings. His innings was marked by patience, determination, and timely aggression, frustrating the South African bowlers who had hoped to wrap up the innings swiftly.
Starc's innings included a crucial 59-run partnership with number 11 batsman Josh Hazlewood, who supported him admirably before being dismissed. This partnership was pivotal in pushing Australia's total to 207 runs after resuming from 144-8. The duo’s stand was not only vital in terms of runs but also etched their names in cricket history. They broke the record for the most runs by a 10th wicket partnership in an ICC final, surpassing the 41-run stand by Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson in the 1975 World Cup final at the same venue, Lord's.
Starc's 58 runs also made him the first player in history to score more than 40 runs while batting at number nine or below in an ICC tournament final. This remarkable feat surpassed the previous record held by West Indies' Courtney Browne, who scored 35 runs at the same batting position in the 2004 Champions Trophy final. Furthermore, Starc now holds the record for the most runs by a number nine or below batsman in any ICC knockout game, overtaking South Africa's Rory Kleinvedt, who scored 43 runs in the 2013 Champions Trophy semi-final.
South Africa's bowling attack had moments of brilliance, with Kagiso Rabada taking four wickets in the innings, including trapping Nathan Lyon LBW early on Day 3. Rabada had earlier secured a five-wicket haul in Australia's first innings, reinforcing his status as a key player for the Proteas. Lungi Ngidi contributed three wickets, while Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Aiden Markram chipped in with one wicket each. Despite their efforts, the South African bowlers were unable to dismiss Starc, whose stubbornness at the crease turned the tide in Australia's favor.
Australia's first innings saw them post 212 runs, with Steve Smith and Beau Webster both scoring half-centuries. South Africa were then bowled out for 138, giving Australia a healthy 74-run lead. Pat Cummins was the standout bowler for Australia in that innings, taking six wickets and reaching a milestone of 300 Test wickets in his career.
Social media erupted with praise for Starc's performance, highlighting his mental toughness and ability to deliver under pressure. Fans and cricket analysts alike hailed his innings as a testament to Australia's never-say-die attitude and winning mindset. One fan humorously remarked, "Mitchell Starc 🐐 BETTER BOWLER THAN JASPRIT BUMRAH BETTER BATSMAN THAN ROHIT SHARMA," while others admired his grit and determination in a high-stakes match.
As the match progresses, South Africa faces the daunting task of chasing 282 runs in the fourth innings at the iconic Lord's ground. The Proteas have yet to win an ICC tournament, and this chase represents a significant opportunity to end that drought. However, Australia's resilient lower order and disciplined bowling attack have put them in a strong position to defend this target.
The WTC final has been a roller-coaster of emotions, with momentum swings and individual brilliance shaping the contest. Starc's historic innings on Day 3 has undoubtedly shifted the balance towards Australia, but cricket is unpredictable, and South Africa will be eager to mount a spirited chase.
In summary, Mitchell Starc's unbeaten 58 runs off 136 balls, combined with Josh Hazlewood's support, helped Australia recover from a precarious position to post 207 runs in their second innings. This set South Africa a challenging target of 282 runs to win the 2025 World Test Championship final. Starc's innings not only demonstrated exceptional skill and mental toughness but also rewrote record books, making him the first number nine or lower batsman to score a half-century in an ICC final and breaking longstanding partnership records. The match remains alive and intense as South Africa prepares to face this formidable target.
