Aiden Markram's long walk back to the pavilion at the end of his epic, trophy-seizing century, ought by rights to have been one of the proudest, most self-reflective moments of his life. With a mere six runs still needed for World Test Championship glory,

Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma didn't have the pleasure of finishing off what they started in the World Test Championship final at Lord's.

Australia's wicketkeeper Alex Carey, right, reacts as South Africa's Aiden Markram plays a shot on day three of the World Test Championship final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Friday, June 13, 2025. Credit: AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth