NEW DELHI: In a gripping Day 3 of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 at Lord’s, Mitchell Starc rose to the occasion with a fighting unbeaten half-century, rescuing Australia from a precarious position and guiding them to a respectable total of 207 in their second innings. The left-arm pacer’s 58* helped Australia set South Africa a formidable target of 282 runs to win the championship title.
A Historic Knock from No. 9
Coming in to bat at number 9, Starc showcased remarkable composure and resilience, notching up 58 not out off 136 deliveries, including four boundaries. His effort marked his first Test half-century in over six years and became the highest score ever by a number 9 or lower batter in an ICC final, surpassing West Indies’ Courtney Browne’s 35 in the 2004 Champions Trophy final.
Starc also etched his name in cricket history books by becoming:
- The first player in ICC history to score 50+ runs batting at No. 9 or below in a final
- Only the second cricketer after India’s Shardul Thakur (WTC Final 2023) to hit a half-century while batting at number eight or lower in an ICC final
- The top scorer from No. 9+ in any ICC knockout match, overtaking South Africa’s Rory Kleinveldt (43 in 2013 Champions Trophy semi-final)
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Record-Breaking 10th Wicket Partnership
Starc found a dependable partner in Josh Hazlewood, and the duo frustrated the South African bowlers with a dogged 59-run partnership for the 10th wicket. This stand broke the previous record held by Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson (41 runs in 1975 World Cup final) for the highest 10th-wicket stand in an ICC final.
Their 59-run effort is also the joint-highest 10th wicket partnership in ICC knockout history, equalling James Franklin and Jeetan Patel’s effort in the 2007 World Cup semi-final.
Australia’s Comeback After Top-Order Collapse
Australia had earlier slumped to 77 for 7, with South Africa’s pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada (4 wickets) wreaking havoc. Lungi Ngidi picked up three scalps while Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Aiden Markram contributed with one wicket each.
Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey steadied the innings momentarily with a valuable 43 off 50 balls, before Starc took over with his defiant knock.
Proteas Face Steep Chase
With Australia bowled out for 207, they now enjoy a lead of 281 runs. South Africa needs 282 runs to win, which is expected to be a challenging chase considering the pitch’s wear and the high-pressure setting at Lord’s. The Proteas’ top order will need to bring their A-game if they are to lift the championship trophy.
Tribute to Ahmedabad Crash Victims
Both teams also wore black armbands on Day 3 as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
Mitchell Starc’s Day 3 milestones:
- 58* (136) — Highest by a No. 9+ in ICC final
- Most runs at No. 9+ in ICC knockout history
- 59-run 10th wicket stand with Hazlewood — Best in ICC final history
Australia now stands one step away from defending their WTC crown. All eyes will be on the final innings — can South Africa pull off the chase, or will Starc’s gritty knock prove match-winning?
