• South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma batted through severe pain to keep his team on course in a tense fourth innings chase against Australia at WTC Final.

  • Social media was quick to shower praise on Bavuma’s heroic effort with the bat.

Fans salute Temba Bavuma’s bravery as he bats in severe pain to keep South Africa’s WTC 2025 hopes alive against Australia
Fans praise Temba Bavuma for his heroic effort in WTC Final (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

The stage is set for a dramatic climax at Lord’s as South Africa inch closer to rewriting their cricketing legacy. Day 3 of the World Test Championship 2025 Final saw an incredible display of grit and determination from Proteas captain Temba Bavuma, who batted through severe pain to keep his team on course in a tense fourth innings chase against Australia.

South Africa on verge of history as Temba Bavuma plays through injury

Needing 282 runs to win the final, South Africa ended Day 3 at 213/3, just 69 runs away from a momentous triumph. At the heart of this chase stands a dogged 143-run unbeaten partnership between Aiden Markram (102*) and Bavuma (65*), two men who batted with remarkable calm in a high-pressure situation. Yet, it was Bavuma’s pain-defying courage that stole the limelight.

Early in his innings, the 35-year-old skipper pulled up with a hamstring strain while attempting a quick single. His discomfort was visible, and he had to receive immediate medical attention. With tea approaching, serious doubts loomed over whether he would take the field again in the final session.

Speaking after play, South Africa’s assistant coach Ashwell Prince shed light on the situation in the dressing room. He revealed that despite the discomfort, Bavuma insisted on staying in the middle with Markram.

“At tea time, we had to make a big call whether he continues to bat. We were concerned about how it might impact his stroke play and Markram’s rhythm, especially if they couldn’t push for twos or threes. Both of them were adamant that Temba has got to continue. Aiden was clear that the partnership is the key. He adjusted his running to ensure Temba could manage,” said Prince after the end of third day’s play.

Also READ: WTC 2025 Final: Fans react as Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma’s solid partnership pushes South Africa close to a historic win at Lord’s | SA vs AUS, Day 3

Bavuma’s bravery earns admiration from fans

While Markram capitalised on loose deliveries, Bavuma stood firm, rotating the strike smartly and showing immense mental resilience. With five boundaries and some sharp singles, he anchored South Africa’s innings in what could turn out to be the most iconic fourth-innings chase in their history. Social media was quick to shower praise on Bavuma’s heroic effort. Fans hailed his grit and leadership during what could be a watershed moment for South African cricket.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Top 10 shortest cricketers of all-time ft. Temba Bavuma

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: ICC World Test Championship South Africa Temba Bavuma Twitter Reactions

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.