• Strong lower-order resistance from Australia shifts momentum as South Africa struggle on Day 3 of the WTC Final.

  • The lead for Australia has crossed the 250-run mark on the third day.

Is it over for South Africa? Fans speculate as Australia’s lead crosses 250 mark on Day 3 of WTC Final 2025
Mitchell Starc playing a shot on Day 3 (Image Source: X)

Table of Contents

As the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 enters its later stages, South Africa face mounting pressure and growing concerns in their quest for a maiden WTC title, while defending champions Australia tighten their grip at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on a crucial Day 3. Fans and supporters across social media expressed visible frustration, with many declaring that it’s all over for the Proteas.

Australia tightens the grip on Day 3 of the final

Defending champions Australia, after gaining a significant lead on Day 2, began the third day on a strong note. Despite a major collapse in their second innings on Day 2, where they were reduced to 73 for 7, valuable contributions from Alex Carey and later Mitchell Starc steadied the innings. Their crucial runs not only revived Australia’s momentum but also helped extend the lead to over 250 runs—putting immense pressure on South Africa heading into the final phases of the Test.

The Proteas, on the other hand, looked lost against Australia’s lower order. After a strong bowling performance on Day 2—when Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada ripped through the top order—their bowling looked flat in the final session of Day 2 and the morning of Day 3. Poor fielding in the slips and low energy on the field added to their troubles, making things worse at a crucial stage of the match.

A huge challenge ahead for South Africa in the fourth innings

The Proteas had a poor outing with the bat in the first innings, as Pat Cummins‘ tight and accurate bowling completely outplayed their lineup. With a big target now ahead of them on a pitch that’s getting harder to bat on, senior players like Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma will need to step up and play a key role to keep South Africa in the game.

Australia are in full control after a strong fightback from their lower-order batters. Now, they just need to bowl with focus, stick to their line and length, and wait for the Proteas to make mistakes. With the pitch slowing down and showing uneven bounce, the Aussies will back themselves to finish the job and defend their World Test Championship title in style.

Also READ: Here’s why South Africa and Australian players are wearing black armbands on Day 3 of WTC 2025 Final

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: South Africa’s brilliant review removes Steve Smith on Day 2 of SA vs AUS clash

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

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Australia ICC World Test Championship South Africa Test Twitter Reactions

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

About the Author:
VARUN VERMA
Varun Verma is a dedicated cricket enthusiast with a flair for storytelling and in-depth analysis. Combining a deep knowledge of the sport with a talent for engaging content creation, he brings the drama and thrill of the game to life for fans around the world. Drawing inspiration from the grit and passion of players like Ben Stokes, Varun aspires to one day experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He can be reached at varun.verma@crickettimes.com and followed on LinkedIn and X.