South Africa are just 69 runs away from winning the World Test Championship final.

After decades of heartbreaking near-misses, often against Australia, the Proteas are on the verge of a major victory, 2-213 at stumps with Markram (102no) and captain Temba Bavuma (65no) about to lead their country to a drought-breaking world cricket title at Lord’s on Saturday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Steve Smith injured in World Test Championship final.

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Two hours after contemplating retiring hurt, the courageous Bavuma had jubilant South African fans singing his name, while reigning champions Australia are desperately searching for ideas to retain their crown.

But South Africa’s captain almost didn’t come back out on the field for what looks to have been the defining session in this Test.

The 35-year-old battled a hamstring injury he suffered when sprinting for a quick single, requiring medical attention before and during the tea interval.

“At tea time, we had to make a big call whether he continues to bat,” South Africa assistant coach Ashwell Prince said.

“How it will affect his stroke play, how that might affect Aiden’s rhythm, if twos are being turned into one and they can’t run the twos or the threes.

“Both of them were adamant that Temba has got to continue.

“He wanted to continue.

“Aiden was adamant that the partnership is the key.

“Aiden was well aware that he’ll have to curb his intensity just in terms of running between the wickets to allow Temba to ease his way through it.”

South Africa’s one and only senior ICC title came back in 1998 when they lifted the Champions Trophy.

The majority of the spectators, whether they be South African or neutrals, have been behind the Proteas in this enthralling Test.

As Bavuma and Markram were piling on runs against one of the best bowling attacks ever, long-suffering South African fans were chanting and dancing in the stands at the home of cricket.

“Oh, Temba Bavuma,” the crowd sang.

The noise will go to even louder, more exuberant, levels if Bavuma lifts the World Test Championship mace on Saturday.

Aussie star’s ‘gruesome’ Lord’s injury a huge Test blow

WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW.

Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia’s upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a “gruesome” compound dislocation of his finger.

In a major blow for Australia’s immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Friday.

Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two.

Smith immediately left the field in immense pain after spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles.

“He is in real pain. As Shaun Pollock said, he’s almost feeling physically sick there. He’s in a lot of pain and he knows there’s more pain to come,” Nasser Hussain said in the commentary.

After that, Bavuma combined with Aiden Markram for an unbeaten 143-run stand to put South Africa in reach of a famous victory on 2-213, just 69 runs from the winning line.

The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord’s change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment.

As of an hour after stumps, Smith was still in hospital and the Australian team had no further update on his condition.

“We weren’t really up to speed in terms of how gruesome the injury was,” Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori said.

“We just heard there was a fear of the compound fracture or dislocation, something of that nature.

‘We’ll just wait and see what comes back after he gets back from hospital.”

A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation.

One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith’s looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence.

But Smith’s misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve.

The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023.

A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match.

But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22.

Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia’s first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years.

If Smith can’t play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3.

But even Khawaja, who turns 39 later this year, is under pressure to keep his Test career going after scores of 0 and 7 in this Test.

Australia’s first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica.