Labuschagne facing the axe as Australia's fragile batters leave door open for South Africa
London: If this game has been the ultimate Test, as billed by its promoters, then Australia's increasingly fragile batting lineup has largely failed its questions.
Hoping to settle their top six ahead of the Ashes at home this summer, the national selectors – all of them in attendance at Lord's this week – have a long list of fresh queries about how to produce the runs required to keep winning games.
Pat Cummins, who now has 300 wickets in Tests, will back his men to outbowl South Africa here in the final innings to seize back-to-back world test championship titles. The game is in fast-forward, but Alex Carey (43) and Mitchell Starc (16 not out) fought through the final hour on day two to be 8-144 at stumps.
But the magnificent pace and spin ensemble led by the captain, alongside Josh Hazlewood, Starc and Nathan Lyon with Scott Boland in reserve, should not be having to go back to the well this often. CricViz has the Proteas narrow favourites: 51 per cent to 49, with the Australians leading by 218 overall.
'Ideally we'd probably have a few more wickets in the shed,' Cummins said. 'But the trend of the game is it's still pretty difficult out there, so it's set up pretty well for a day three finish you'd imagine tomorrow, but we're going to have to bowl well.'
Usman Khawaja (zero and six) and Cameron Green (four and zero) were taken apart by the formidable Kagiso Rabada in both innings, succumbing to quality seam bowling at high pace. That is no disgrace in itself, but top order players need to be able to handle those difficulties more often than not, at least for long enough to ease a path for the middle order.
At 38, Khawaja's skills have lately been stretched by the top echelon of pace bowlers: Mark Wood in England in 2023, Jasprit Bumrah last summer, and Rabada here. A double century in Sri Lanka was made in between, but conditions at Lord's have been far closer to those of Australia than Galle was or the West Indies will be.
Slotted back into the side before he was ready to bowl again, Green can be a somewhat iffy starter, when roles in the top three require precision against the new ball. His runs for Gloucestershire were characterised by some struggles early before he was fully dialled in at the crease, and Test class attacks won't give him the latitude of the county second division.
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Australia on the ropes in Test final after Markram ton
Australia's golden run in global finals is all but over as South Africa close in on a landmark World Test Championship title at Lord's. In a dramatic decider that's had multiple twists a day, a brilliant Aiden Markram century, in an unbroken 143-run stand with hobbling captain Temba Bavuma (65no), means South Africa need just 69 runs with eight wickets in hand on Saturday to seal a famous victory. Set 282 to win, the Proteas piled on 0-119 in the final session on Friday to be 2-213 - already the highest total of the match - by stumps on day three. The first two days were dominated by bowlers as 28 wickets tumbled, but the pitch flattened out during glorious sunny weather in London. Australia's last defeat in an ICC final came back in 2010 when they lost to England in the T20 World Cup decider. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015 and 2023), a T20 trophy, and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Since the first World Cup back in 1975, Australia's record in global finals is 8-3. "We understand the magnitude of the task," Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said, refusing to give up on the seeming 'mission impossible'. "But it is a task that the group has probably done at times throughout the last three, four, some of them, five, six, even longer years. "There's an appreciation of how well Bavuma and Markram have batted to put all that pressure back on us. "To get one of them (before stumps) may have given us that optimism. "It's going to be a real challenge on Saturday." Markram's eighth Test century - and only his second outside of South Africa - has him poised to become a true Proteas hero. It would be fitting if Markram (102 no) could lead them to the glory, having captained the Proteas' first under-19 World Cup win in 2014. South Africa's one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have endured numerous painful misses in the latter stages of ODI and T20 World Cups, often against Australia. But the trajectory of this WTC final changed once Smith put down Bavuma when the Proteas skipper was on just two. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have had South Africa at 3-76. Smith immediately left the field in agony, later revealed to be a compound fracture of the little finger on his right hand. The 36-year-old will take no further part in the match and is in serious doubt to play in Australia's upcoming three-Test tour of the West Indies. If South Africa create history, it would equal the second-highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's, tied with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In 1984, West Indies, in their pomp, successfully chased 342 for the loss of just one wicket against England at the famous ground. Bavuma, who had the pro-South African crowd singing his name, has battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single. The 35-year-old received medical attention before and during the tea interval, with the captain even considering not returning after the break, but he batted on while limping as he ran between the wickets. Evergreen quick Starc (2-53) has claimed both of South Africa's second-innings scalps, backing up an important knock on Friday morning. Starting day three of their second innings 8-144, Australia's lower-order lasted 119 minutes and added another 78 in a sign of how much easier batting had become. No.11 Josh Hazlewood (17) hung in there for 53 balls and was the last player out on the stroke of lunch. Starc (58no), batting at No.9, finished as Australia's top-scorer of the innings ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43). He faced more balls (136) than any other Australia batter during an innings in this Test, even more than Steve Smith's 112 for his 66 on day one. Star Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada (4-59) finished with match figures of 9-110 after he destroyed Australia with 5-51 in the first innings to put his name on the Lord's honour board for a second time. "It would have been nice to get a 10-for, but I'd rather a win than a 10-for," Rabada said at lunch. It appears as if he'll get his wish. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Australia's golden run in global finals is all but over as South Africa close in on a landmark World Test Championship title at Lord's. In a dramatic decider that's had multiple twists a day, a brilliant Aiden Markram century, in an unbroken 143-run stand with hobbling captain Temba Bavuma (65no), means South Africa need just 69 runs with eight wickets in hand on Saturday to seal a famous victory. Set 282 to win, the Proteas piled on 0-119 in the final session on Friday to be 2-213 - already the highest total of the match - by stumps on day three. The first two days were dominated by bowlers as 28 wickets tumbled, but the pitch flattened out during glorious sunny weather in London. Australia's last defeat in an ICC final came back in 2010 when they lost to England in the T20 World Cup decider. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015 and 2023), a T20 trophy, and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Since the first World Cup back in 1975, Australia's record in global finals is 8-3. "We understand the magnitude of the task," Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said, refusing to give up on the seeming 'mission impossible'. "But it is a task that the group has probably done at times throughout the last three, four, some of them, five, six, even longer years. "There's an appreciation of how well Bavuma and Markram have batted to put all that pressure back on us. "To get one of them (before stumps) may have given us that optimism. "It's going to be a real challenge on Saturday." Markram's eighth Test century - and only his second outside of South Africa - has him poised to become a true Proteas hero. It would be fitting if Markram (102 no) could lead them to the glory, having captained the Proteas' first under-19 World Cup win in 2014. South Africa's one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have endured numerous painful misses in the latter stages of ODI and T20 World Cups, often against Australia. But the trajectory of this WTC final changed once Smith put down Bavuma when the Proteas skipper was on just two. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have had South Africa at 3-76. Smith immediately left the field in agony, later revealed to be a compound fracture of the little finger on his right hand. The 36-year-old will take no further part in the match and is in serious doubt to play in Australia's upcoming three-Test tour of the West Indies. If South Africa create history, it would equal the second-highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's, tied with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In 1984, West Indies, in their pomp, successfully chased 342 for the loss of just one wicket against England at the famous ground. Bavuma, who had the pro-South African crowd singing his name, has battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single. The 35-year-old received medical attention before and during the tea interval, with the captain even considering not returning after the break, but he batted on while limping as he ran between the wickets. Evergreen quick Starc (2-53) has claimed both of South Africa's second-innings scalps, backing up an important knock on Friday morning. Starting day three of their second innings 8-144, Australia's lower-order lasted 119 minutes and added another 78 in a sign of how much easier batting had become. No.11 Josh Hazlewood (17) hung in there for 53 balls and was the last player out on the stroke of lunch. Starc (58no), batting at No.9, finished as Australia's top-scorer of the innings ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43). He faced more balls (136) than any other Australia batter during an innings in this Test, even more than Steve Smith's 112 for his 66 on day one. Star Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada (4-59) finished with match figures of 9-110 after he destroyed Australia with 5-51 in the first innings to put his name on the Lord's honour board for a second time. "It would have been nice to get a 10-for, but I'd rather a win than a 10-for," Rabada said at lunch. It appears as if he'll get his wish. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Australia's golden run in global finals is all but over as South Africa close in on a landmark World Test Championship title at Lord's. In a dramatic decider that's had multiple twists a day, a brilliant Aiden Markram century, in an unbroken 143-run stand with hobbling captain Temba Bavuma (65no), means South Africa need just 69 runs with eight wickets in hand on Saturday to seal a famous victory. Set 282 to win, the Proteas piled on 0-119 in the final session on Friday to be 2-213 - already the highest total of the match - by stumps on day three. The first two days were dominated by bowlers as 28 wickets tumbled, but the pitch flattened out during glorious sunny weather in London. Australia's last defeat in an ICC final came back in 2010 when they lost to England in the T20 World Cup decider. Since then, Australia have won two ODI World Cups (2015 and 2023), a T20 trophy, and the 2023 WTC decider against India at The Oval. Since the first World Cup back in 1975, Australia's record in global finals is 8-3. "We understand the magnitude of the task," Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said, refusing to give up on the seeming 'mission impossible'. "But it is a task that the group has probably done at times throughout the last three, four, some of them, five, six, even longer years. "There's an appreciation of how well Bavuma and Markram have batted to put all that pressure back on us. "To get one of them (before stumps) may have given us that optimism. "It's going to be a real challenge on Saturday." Markram's eighth Test century - and only his second outside of South Africa - has him poised to become a true Proteas hero. It would be fitting if Markram (102 no) could lead them to the glory, having captained the Proteas' first under-19 World Cup win in 2014. South Africa's one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have endured numerous painful misses in the latter stages of ODI and T20 World Cups, often against Australia. But the trajectory of this WTC final changed once Smith put down Bavuma when the Proteas skipper was on just two. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have had South Africa at 3-76. Smith immediately left the field in agony, later revealed to be a compound fracture of the little finger on his right hand. The 36-year-old will take no further part in the match and is in serious doubt to play in Australia's upcoming three-Test tour of the West Indies. If South Africa create history, it would equal the second-highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's, tied with England's 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. In 1984, West Indies, in their pomp, successfully chased 342 for the loss of just one wicket against England at the famous ground. Bavuma, who had the pro-South African crowd singing his name, has battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single. The 35-year-old received medical attention before and during the tea interval, with the captain even considering not returning after the break, but he batted on while limping as he ran between the wickets. Evergreen quick Starc (2-53) has claimed both of South Africa's second-innings scalps, backing up an important knock on Friday morning. Starting day three of their second innings 8-144, Australia's lower-order lasted 119 minutes and added another 78 in a sign of how much easier batting had become. No.11 Josh Hazlewood (17) hung in there for 53 balls and was the last player out on the stroke of lunch. Starc (58no), batting at No.9, finished as Australia's top-scorer of the innings ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43). He faced more balls (136) than any other Australia batter during an innings in this Test, even more than Steve Smith's 112 for his 66 on day one. Star Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada (4-59) finished with match figures of 9-110 after he destroyed Australia with 5-51 in the first innings to put his name on the Lord's honour board for a second time. "It would have been nice to get a 10-for, but I'd rather a win than a 10-for," Rabada said at lunch. It appears as if he'll get his wish. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
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2 hours ago
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Aussie star's 'gruesome' Lord's injury a huge Test blow
Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a "gruesome" compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field in immense pain after spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. Instead, Bavuma combined with Aiden Markram for an unbeaten 143-run stand to put South Africa in reach of a famous victory on 2-213, just 69 runs from the winning line. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. As of an hour after stumps, Smith was still in hospital and the Australian team had no further update on his condition. "We weren't really up to speed in terms of how gruesome the injury was," Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said. "We just heard there was a fear of the compound fracture or dislocation, something of that nature. 'We'll just wait and see what comes back after he gets back from hospital." A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. But even Khawaja, who turns 39 later this year, is under pressure to keep his Test career going after scores of 0 and 7 in this Test. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a "gruesome" compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field in immense pain after spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. Instead, Bavuma combined with Aiden Markram for an unbeaten 143-run stand to put South Africa in reach of a famous victory on 2-213, just 69 runs from the winning line. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. As of an hour after stumps, Smith was still in hospital and the Australian team had no further update on his condition. "We weren't really up to speed in terms of how gruesome the injury was," Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said. "We just heard there was a fear of the compound fracture or dislocation, something of that nature. 'We'll just wait and see what comes back after he gets back from hospital." A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. But even Khawaja, who turns 39 later this year, is under pressure to keep his Test career going after scores of 0 and 7 in this Test. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a "gruesome" compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field in immense pain after spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. Instead, Bavuma combined with Aiden Markram for an unbeaten 143-run stand to put South Africa in reach of a famous victory on 2-213, just 69 runs from the winning line. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. As of an hour after stumps, Smith was still in hospital and the Australian team had no further update on his condition. "We weren't really up to speed in terms of how gruesome the injury was," Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said. "We just heard there was a fear of the compound fracture or dislocation, something of that nature. 'We'll just wait and see what comes back after he gets back from hospital." A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. But even Khawaja, who turns 39 later this year, is under pressure to keep his Test career going after scores of 0 and 7 in this Test. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
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South Africa's 'big call' on captain Bavuma pays off
Two hours after contemplating retiring hurt, courageous captain Temba Bavuma had jubilant South African fans singing his name. Bavuma, the diminutive No.4, is poised to become the man to lead the Proteas to a drought-breaking world cricket title at Lord's on Saturday. After decades of heartbreaking near-misses, often against Australia, South Africa are just 69 runs away from winning the World Test Championship final. Bavuma (65no) is set to finish the job when he resumes with century-maker Aiden Markram (102no), with the Proteas 2-213 and reigning champions Australia desperately searching for ideas to retain their crown. But South Africa's captain almost didn't come back out on the field for what. looks to have been the defining session in this Test. The 35-year-old battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single, requiring medical attention before and during the tea interval. "At tea time, we had to make a big call whether he continues to bat," South Africa assistant coach Ashwell Prince said. "How it will affect his stroke play, how that might affect Aiden's rhythm, if twos are being turned into one and they can't run the twos or the threes. "Aiden was adamant that the partnership is the key. "Aiden was well aware that he'll have to curb his intensity just in terms of running between the wickets to allow Temba to ease his way through it." South Africa's one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy. The majority of the spectators, whether they be South African or neutrals, have been behind the Proteas in this enthralling Test. As Bavuma and Markram were piling on runs against one of the best bowling attacks ever, long-suffering South African fans were chanting and dancing in the stands at the home of cricket. "Oh, Temba Bavuma," the crowd sang. The noise will go to even louder, more exuberant, levels if Bavuma lifts the World Test Championship mace on Saturday. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Two hours after contemplating retiring hurt, courageous captain Temba Bavuma had jubilant South African fans singing his name. Bavuma, the diminutive No.4, is poised to become the man to lead the Proteas to a drought-breaking world cricket title at Lord's on Saturday. After decades of heartbreaking near-misses, often against Australia, South Africa are just 69 runs away from winning the World Test Championship final. Bavuma (65no) is set to finish the job when he resumes with century-maker Aiden Markram (102no), with the Proteas 2-213 and reigning champions Australia desperately searching for ideas to retain their crown. But South Africa's captain almost didn't come back out on the field for what. looks to have been the defining session in this Test. The 35-year-old battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single, requiring medical attention before and during the tea interval. "At tea time, we had to make a big call whether he continues to bat," South Africa assistant coach Ashwell Prince said. "How it will affect his stroke play, how that might affect Aiden's rhythm, if twos are being turned into one and they can't run the twos or the threes. "Aiden was adamant that the partnership is the key. "Aiden was well aware that he'll have to curb his intensity just in terms of running between the wickets to allow Temba to ease his way through it." South Africa's one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy. The majority of the spectators, whether they be South African or neutrals, have been behind the Proteas in this enthralling Test. As Bavuma and Markram were piling on runs against one of the best bowling attacks ever, long-suffering South African fans were chanting and dancing in the stands at the home of cricket. "Oh, Temba Bavuma," the crowd sang. The noise will go to even louder, more exuberant, levels if Bavuma lifts the World Test Championship mace on Saturday. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Two hours after contemplating retiring hurt, courageous captain Temba Bavuma had jubilant South African fans singing his name. Bavuma, the diminutive No.4, is poised to become the man to lead the Proteas to a drought-breaking world cricket title at Lord's on Saturday. After decades of heartbreaking near-misses, often against Australia, South Africa are just 69 runs away from winning the World Test Championship final. Bavuma (65no) is set to finish the job when he resumes with century-maker Aiden Markram (102no), with the Proteas 2-213 and reigning champions Australia desperately searching for ideas to retain their crown. But South Africa's captain almost didn't come back out on the field for what. looks to have been the defining session in this Test. The 35-year-old battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single, requiring medical attention before and during the tea interval. "At tea time, we had to make a big call whether he continues to bat," South Africa assistant coach Ashwell Prince said. "How it will affect his stroke play, how that might affect Aiden's rhythm, if twos are being turned into one and they can't run the twos or the threes. "Aiden was adamant that the partnership is the key. "Aiden was well aware that he'll have to curb his intensity just in terms of running between the wickets to allow Temba to ease his way through it." South Africa's one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy. The majority of the spectators, whether they be South African or neutrals, have been behind the Proteas in this enthralling Test. As Bavuma and Markram were piling on runs against one of the best bowling attacks ever, long-suffering South African fans were chanting and dancing in the stands at the home of cricket. "Oh, Temba Bavuma," the crowd sang. The noise will go to even louder, more exuberant, levels if Bavuma lifts the World Test Championship mace on Saturday. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
