Fri Jun 13 22:28:32 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

South Africa is on the cusp of a stunning victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Captain Temba Bavuma, playing with a hamstring injury, and Aiden Markram, who scored a century, led a strong batting performance on day three, putting South Africa within 69 runs of chasing down a target of 282. Australia’s bowlers were unable to break the partnership, and with the pitch favoring batsmen, South Africa is in a strong position to win their first ICC trophy in 27 years. However, South Africa has a history of faltering in crucial moments, and Australia will be looking for any advantage they can gain on the final day. Earlier, Australia’s tailenders, particularly Mitchell Starc, extended their innings, setting a challenging target. Steve Smith suffered a broken finger, sidelining him for the remainder of the match and potentially the upcoming West Indies tour.

**News Article:**

**Proteas on Brink of Historic World Test Championship Win After Markram Century and Bavuma Resilience**

**LONDON, June 14, 2025** – South Africa stands on the verge of a remarkable victory in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, thanks to a brilliant batting display led by Aiden Markram’s century and a resilient captain’s knock from Temba Bavuma, who battled through a hamstring injury.

Chasing a target of 282, South Africa closed day three at 213-2, needing just 69 more runs for their first ICC trophy since 1998. Markram remained unbeaten on 102, while Bavuma was not out on 65, forging an unbroken 143-run partnership that frustrated the Australian bowling attack.

The day belonged to the Proteas, with the Lord’s pitch significantly improved for batting after a chaotic first two days, where pace bowlers dominated. Australia struggled to make inroads, and their woes were compounded when Steve Smith suffered a broken finger attempting a catch, ruling him out of the remainder of the match and potentially the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Earlier in the day, Australia’s tailenders, led by Mitchell Starc’s resilient half-century, added valuable runs to their total, setting South Africa a challenging target. However, Markram and Bavuma’s confident approach has shifted the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor.

“This would be massive for our country,” said Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince, acknowledging the team’s history of underperforming in crucial situations.

While South Africa celebrated their position at the end of play, Australia remains optimistic, with bowler Beau Webster saying, “Strange things happen in this game.”

The final day promises high drama, with South Africa looking to overcome their ICC tournament hoodoo and Australia desperate to claw their way back into the match. The world awaits to see if the Proteas will make history or if Australia will spoil the party.

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