Starc’s 58* frustrates South Africa, sets up chase of 282

Starc's 58 Frustrates South Africa, Sets Up Chase of 282*

Mitchell Starc led a last-wicket partnership of 59 runs, frustrating South Africa for nearly two hours, as Australia added 63 crucial runs on the third morning to set a target of 282 in the World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

Australia resumed from 144 for 8 overnight, with Nathan Lyon lasting only nine deliveries before being trapped LBW by Kagiso Rabada. Josh Hazlewood joined Starc, and the pair dug in to bat out nearly two hours, forging a vital stand that kept South Africa at bay.

The ball didn't do much on Day 3, and with the sun overhead, batting became easier. Starc, on 14 overnight, made the most of the conditions, wearing down the South African attack with a patient 132-ball half-century.

Brief Score: Australia 212 & 207 (Mitchell Starc 58*; Kagiso Rabada 4-59) lead South Africa 138, by 281 runs.