South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder speaking on Sky Sports: “We had to go for it whatever they got. There was a lot less fear of failure.”
“They’re going to bowl you good balls, you have to punish the bad ones. Number three is new for me, hope if I bat with intent I can get a lot more runs.”
On Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma’s partnership: “The guys have been through a lot of adversity in the last years, you could see they were pushing themselves out there, two people who put South African cricket first.”
However, the undisputed star of the day is Aiden Markram.
After getting a duck in South Africa’s first innings, he’s leading his side to glory with 102 not out off 159 balls.
Here are the highlights from his innings.
But Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have propelled South Africa towards victory, putting on 143 (232) for the third wicket so far.
Captain Bavuma, nursing a hamstring injury, is not out on 65 (121)…
Mitchell Starc then picked up the wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder to reduce South Africa to 70-2.
Even though it feels like Markram and Bavuma have been batting all day, Australia actually began day three with bat in hand.
They resumed on 144-8 and pushed on to 207 to set South Africa a target of 282 to win.
Mitchell Starc top-scored with an unbeaten 58.
Don’t go anywhere… we’ll have plenty of recap and reaction to follow.
Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
What a lovely position for South Africa to be in. There’s more work to do tomorrow though.
I wonder what state Temba Bevuma is going to be in tomorrow.
Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram take three runs off Nathan Lyon’s final over of the day.
Markram, unbeaten on 102, receives handshakes all round from Australia.
South Africa are 69 runs away from winning the World Test Championship.
Well that’s the Test moment of the year sorted. Fantastic by Markram – what a joy to watch!
Niall – impressed in Bedford
We have time for one more over.
Vic Marks
Former England spinner on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
I haven’t seen a smile on his face. Aiden Markram is probably really tired, he’s just gathering himself for the rest of the day.
Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Potentially a match-winning innings from Markram. The sweetest moment of his life, Lord’s rises for him. He’s played so well.
Getty Images
Aiden Markram gets his century!
He brings up the milestone in style with a four and Lord’s erupts. A cuddle from Temba Bavuma, a mop of the brow, a few more minutes to survive tonight.
Vic Marks
Former England spinner on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
What would be ideal is for Aiden Markram to get those triple figures tonight so he doesn’t have to sleep on it.
For Australia, they just want to concede the least amount of runs.
Listening along from Sardinia on my honeymoon.
Nothing beats test cricket. Especially when it’s got the the combination on batting and bowling skill on show in this test.
It’s especially great when Australia are going to lose.
Anon
The camera pans to Beau Webster in the field, hands on his head, a blank stare.
Temba Bavuma takes two off the final ball of the over.
Gutted to be missing some first class Aussie bashing (and test cricket) as I’m at the dentist who are running nearly two hours behind. It’s not even me getting the treatment. I’m there for moral support for my partner who hates the dentist. She’s 35!
Tom, Manchester
A pause in proceedings for a discussion about the ball. It’s not fitting through the ring. The suitcase of spares has been brought out for a perusal.
Sneaky feeling Cummins will bag two or three late wickets and then all to play for tomorrow….
Stevo, Cheltenham
Three singles and three dots off Josh Hazlewood.
Aiden Markram creeps one closer to his century.
The opener is up to 98.
