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Who’s nervous? I’m nervous, on their behalf. The batters in next will have spent the evening telling themselves that they’re relaxed, but I’m sure there are thoughts flittering around, mostly that they would all really like to not be required. Australia need to turn that screw right away to have a chance.
Then there was Andy Bull, who pondered the slips and the turn of fate that saw Steve Smith’s horrible hand injury.
I was drawn to the idea last night of inevitability, and how it seemed to exist in one direction until it existed in another.
In some promising news that Simon Burnton has snuffled out, the next three WTC finals might not all go to India, where there would be less interest in neutral contests, and might instead stay at Lord’s.
Let us begin with the match report of what happened yesterday, via Ali Martin.
Preamble
Geoff Lemon
Yesterday, we said there wouldn’t be a Day 4. Cricket decided differently. Australia’s tenth-wicket defiance pushed us all the way up to lunch, only to be countered by South Africa’s polish and confidence as Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma changed the game.
Now, South Africa are so close to doing what they have never done: winning a major international trophy. Not one of the World Cups that have caused them so much heartache over the decades, but the newer World Test Championship.
The opportunity is there. They need 69 more runs, with eight wickets in hand. But if ever there was a team whose history could make its supporters nervous about that kind of equation, South Africa is the one. Nobody will relax until the job is done, and if the Australians take a wicket or two early, the nerves will blossom.
If the overnight pair can add a few without alarm, it will make all the difference. This is Australia’s last chance to turn the game, and defend their WTC title.
