South Africa crowned Test champions

South Africa players celebrate their win

South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship final to end their long wait for a major global title.

The Proteas had resumed their second innings on 213-2 and needed 69 runs to wrap up victory on day four at Lord’s.

Australia Captain Pat Cummins struck in the third over of the day to dismiss opposite number Temba Bavuma, caught behind for 66, to inject a semblance of belief. Then with 41 runs required, Mitchell Starc bowled Tristan Stubbs through the gate to cause a little more anxiety in the South Africa dressing room.

Chief scores

Australia: 212 and 207
South Africa: 138 and 282/5 in 83.4 overs (Aiden Markram 136, Temba Bavuma 66, Mitchell Starc 3/66).

Agencies