Can Australia Secure the WTC Final with Starc's 58?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On June 13, Mitchell Starc's impressive inning of 58 helped Australia set a daunting target of 282 runs for South Africa in the WTC Final. With his first Test fifty since 2019, Starc's performance was pivotal in pushing Australia's second innings lead. Can they clinch the championship?
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc scored 58, his first Test fifty since 2019.
- Australia set a target of 282 for South Africa.
- The tenth-wicket partnership between Starc and Hazlewood was historic.
- South Africa's bowlers struggled with extras, including no-balls.
- This match highlights the high stakes of the ICC World Test Championship.
London, June 13 (NationPress) Mitchell Starc played a crucial innings of 58, marking his first Test fifty since 2019, as Australia set a formidable target of 282 runs for South Africa to chase in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. This came after they scored 207 in 65 overs during their second innings on day three at Lord’s.
With bright sunshine and improved batting conditions, Starc, who was dropped on 14 in the last over of day two, showcased his determination to push the lead past 280. He formed a solid 59-run last-wicket partnership with Josh Hazlewood.
On the other hand, South Africa bowled 22 extras, including 10 no-balls. Kagiso Rabada claimed 4-59, while Lungi Ngidi had impressive figures of 3-38. Resuming from 144/8, Rabada made an early impact by trapping Nathan Lyon lbw, with ball tracking indicating it would hit the top of the leg stump.
Starc and Hazlewood faced minimal trouble from South Africa's pace attack, as there was no significant sideways movement. The pair quickly added four boundaries, pushing Australia’s lead past 250. Starc took the initiative while Hazlewood anchored the other end, contributing to the highest tenth-wicket stand in any men's ICC championship final.
Starc reached his 11th Test fifty in the 64th over with a boundary off Marco Jansen, which also brought up Australia’s 200 and visibly demoralized South Africa.
The frustrating day for South Africa concluded when Hazlewood was caught off a wide delivery from Aiden Markram, with the tenth-wicket partnership yielding a remarkable 59 runs off 22.2 overs, presenting South Africa a daunting chase.
Final scores: Australia 212 and 207 in 65 overs (Mitchell Starc 58, Alex Carey 43; Kagiso Rabada 4-59, Lungi Ngidi 3-38) lead South Africa 138 in 57.1 overs by 218 runs.
Point of View
It is clear that Australia has taken a strong position in the WTC Final. Mitchell Starc's performance is commendable, and with the target set at 282, the pressure is now on South Africa. This match exemplifies the high stakes of Test cricket, showcasing both skill and strategy.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the match situation before Starc's innings?
Before Starc's innings, Australia was in a precarious position at 144/8, needing a strong finish to set a challenging target.
How significant was the partnership between Starc and Hazlewood?
The partnership between Starc and Hazlewood was crucial, yielding 59 runs for the last wicket, the highest in a men's ICC championship final.
Who were the standout bowlers for South Africa?
Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi were the standout bowlers for South Africa, with Rabada taking 4 wickets and Ngidi 3.
