Markram backs South Africa to reach another WTC final as Australia decider looms

Published: 2026-10-15 00:00:00

Proteas target another shot at the title

Aiden Markram says South Africa believe they can reach a second consecutive World Test Championship final as they prepare for a winner-takes-all third Test against Australia at Newlands.

The three-match series is level at 1-1 after South Africa roared back from defeat in Durban to win the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs. The decider is scheduled to begin on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Markram, who starred in South Africa’s maiden WTC title win at Lord’s in June 2025, said the experience had sharpened the team’s ambition. “I believe we can make the [WTC] final again,” he said. “There’s an extra fire and desire to get into the final, because we would have had to do it the extremely hard way.”

South Africa beat Australia by five wickets in that 2025 final, with Markram making an unbeaten 136 in the fourth innings. He said the current WTC cycle would bring demanding Tests against Australia, Bangladesh and England at home, followed by a tour of Sri Lanka. The team also has its sights on the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will co-host with Zimbabwe and Namibia. “We want to try to do something special there,” Markram said.

Gqeberha comeback sets up decider

South Africa’s response in the second Test was built around a declared 425 for nine. Captain Temba Bavuma made 179, while Marco Jansen scored 85 and Simon Harmer 82. Jansen then took five wickets for 33 as Australia were dismissed for 99 and made to follow on.

Travis Head’s 121 in the second innings offered resistance, but Kagiso Rabada claimed four wickets and Wiaan Mulder three as Australia were bowled out for 295. South Africa completed a commanding win to square the series.

The hosts will be without fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who sustained a groin injury in the second Test. Australia are weighing up Matthew Renshaw as a possible opening partner for Head, while Steve Smith is due to have a fitness assessment after experiencing neck stiffness in training.