At 213\/2 at stumps on Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, South Africa is in control \u2014 but only just.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is what Test cricket is all about, as South Africa will be sitting in their dressing room and thinking - had they picked up those two wickets early morning in the 1st session of Day 3 or not bowled as many no-balls, this match would\u2019ve been wrapped up already. But the rollercoaster of Test cricket means we\u2019re back in Day 4 \u2014 while 69 runs may sound easy, Australia won\u2019t go down without a fight. These 69 will be the hardest runs South Africa will ever have to earn. This Test has been sensational over three days,\" said Steyn on Cricket Live on JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Aiden Markram\u2019s century and Temba Bavuma\u2019s courageous 65* despite a hamstring injury have built an unbeaten 143-run stand that has tilted the match in South Africa\u2019s favour. But Steyn cautioned: \u201cAustralia will come hard. Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins \u2014 they know how to fight back. South Africa will have to bat like it\u2019s Day 1 again.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden lauded the batting display: \u201cThis was top-class. Markram has shown why he\u2019s one of the best timers of the ball. And Bavuma, limping but resolute, has been the heartbeat of this chase. They\u2019ve been smart, aggressive when needed, and incredibly aware.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sanjay Bangar added: \u201cWhat impressed me about Markram was his maturity. He rotated strike beautifully and his backfoot play was exceptional. The understanding between him and Bavuma \u2014 gauging runs, controlling the tempo \u2014 was pure class.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Steyn further analysed how their differing statures helped: \u201cBowlers hate adjusting every delivery. Bavuma being shorter meant lengths kept changing. That disrupted rhythm. They worked singles smartly, made Australia move, and punished anything loose.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hayden agreed: \u201cThey\u2019ve done the hard part. But I\u2019ve seen teams collapse chasing 50. If the pitch changes or nerves creep in, it could still flip. The first hour tomorrow is everything.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Steyn further analysed how their differing statures helped: \u201cBowlers hate adjusting every delivery. Bavuma being shorter meant lengths kept changing. That disrupted rhythm. They worked singles smartly, made Australia move, and punished anything loose.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n