WTC 2025 Final [WATCH]: Mitchell Starc delivers a jaffa to dismiss Tristan Stubbs as Australia keeps fighting at Lord’s

Mitchell Starc produced a moment of magic just when Australia needed it most on Day 3 of the WTC 2025 Final. With South Africa looking steady in their chase and the match slowly drifting away from the Aussies, Starc bowled an absolute peach to castle Tristan Stubbs, keeping his team’s hopes flickering. The wicket arrived at a crucial juncture as South Africa stood at 241/3, needing less than 50 to win. Starc’s lethal delivery and fiery intent reminded everyone that Australia were far from done in this contest.

Mitchell Starc sends down a ripper to clean up Trsitan Stubbs as Australia stay in the hunt at Lord’s

The third delivery of 71st over itself was a searing 145 km/h ripper with a scrambled seam that came from wide of the crease. Starc pitched it on a perfect length just around the fourth stump line, and the angle worked its magic. Bowling from around the wicket to the right-handed Stubbs, the ball jagged back sharply into the batter, confounding him. Stubbs, who had struggled throughout his 43-ball stay, tried to defend from the crease with a straight bat but was undone by the late movement.

The ball might have just brushed the inside edge, but it made no difference as it went on to disturb the stumps, flicking the bails ever so slightly. The subtle precision of the dismissal added to its beauty, not a demolition but a surgical strike. Starc celebrated with intensity, knowing how critical this breakthrough was. It was his third wicket of the innings and perhaps the most vital in turning the pressure back on South Africa. With Stubbs gone for 8 and the game finely poised, Australia sensed a potential twist, and the South African dressing room was no doubt feeling the heat.

Here’s the video:

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WTC Final 2025: South Africa inch closer as Australia fight back on tense Day 4

Day 4 at Lord’s saw high drama unfold as South Africa moved within touching distance of a historic win in the World Test Championship Final 2025, needing just 40 more runs with six wickets in hand. Chasing 282, Aiden Markram led from the front with a resolute unbeaten 120, holding the innings together amidst Australian breakthroughs.

Starting the day at 213/2, the Proteas lost captain Temba Bavuma early for 66, caught behind off Pat Cummins, and later Stubbs was cleaned up by a Starc ripper for 8. Starc, steaming in with relentless aggression, claimed 3 wickets and sparked hope for Australia, who continued to press despite the looming South African victory. The Australian bowlers kept the pressure tight, particularly Starc and Hazlewood, even as Markram stood tall, blunting the attack. David Bedingham joined Markram after Stubbs’ dismissal, and the pair ensured South Africa didn’t lose further ground heading into lunch. With 74 overs still in the day and only 40 runs needed, the match is delicately poised, Australia needs a miracle, South Africa is one solid partnership away from glory.

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