Proteas Crowned Test Champions After Gritty Lord’s Finale

(The Post News)- Proteas were crowned World Test Champions on Saturday after a determined five-wicket win over Australia at Lord’s, securing a memorable final-day triumph in a tension-filled contest.

Chasing 282 for victory, Aiden Markram stood tall, resuming on 102 and going on to craft an extraordinary 135 from 207 balls. His knock, built over six hours, was the backbone of a chase that demanded both nerve and grit. The Proteas chipped away at the 69 runs required on the fourth morning, losing three wickets along the way as every run became a battle.

Markram’s measured aggression saw him dispatch Pat Cummins to both cover and midwicket early on, but boundaries were scarce. It took a majestic on-drive from David Bedingham to lift the tempo slightly, while Australia’s bowlers, relentless in their effort, made South Africa earn every single run.

Temba Bavuma added only one to his overnight tally before nicking behind, but his 147-run stand with Markram had already shifted the balance firmly in South Africa’s favour, an effort sure to live long in Test folklore.

Tristan Stubbs offered quiet resistance before being undone by Mitchell Starc, but Bedingham (21*) held firm, showing nerves of steel as the finish line neared. Markram’s bid to see it through ended just shy, caught by Travis Head for a magnificent, chanceless 135. The Australians, in a show of respect, all moved to applaud him off.

Kyle Verreynne delivered the final blow, sealing a famous win, but it was Markram, Bavuma, and the ever-reliable Kagiso Rabada, with match figures of 9-110—who wrote their names in South African cricketing history.