Credit: ICC
Before the start of day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final at Lord’s, umpires and players from Australia and South Africa remained coy for one minute and also wore black armbands. Both teams have put up a superb fight against each other in the initial two days of the game. On day 2, South Africa struck back the reigning champions after handing a 74-run lead to Pat Cummins and his boys. The Proteas scalped Australia’s eight wickets in the second innings so far at a score of 144. Kagiso Rabada continued his excellent work from the first innings and went on to grab three wickets on day 2.
On day 3, match officials and players from both teams paid homage to Ahmedabad plane crash victims by donning black armbands and maintaining a moment of silence. On June 12, an Air India flight to London collided with a college hostel which claimed several lives. As per media reports thus far, 241 passengers have died in the unfortunate incident. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani was also among one of the victims. Sources assert that the veteran politician was going to London to meet his wife and daughter.
Australia lose Nathan Lyon in the third over of day 3
Australia started their day with the loss of Nathan Lyon’s wicket in the third over of day 3. Rabada trapped the tailender through leg-before-wicket. The 37-year-old departed after scoring only two. As of writing, Mitchell Starc (unbeaten 25 off 63) and Josh Hazlewood (unbeaten two off 10) are at the crease.
The Aussies have gained a 231-run lead so far after amassing 157 runs in the second innings at a loss of nine wickets. Rabada has picked up four scalps while Lungi Ngidi has also bagged three wickets. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder have also got one wicket apiece.
