Markram and Bavuma proceeded to put the Proteas' years of World Cup misery to bed as they batted their side to a position of dominance throughout the day's final two sessions, before they returned on Saturday to put the finishing touches on historic moment in South Africa cricket.

Australia suffered their first defeat in an ICC tournament final in 15 years. Always considered to be a dominant force across formats, the Aussies fell short in the final hurdle after South Africa's impressive efforts to win the World Test Championship final.

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Just 69 runs stand between the Proteas and rewriting their painful history at ICC events as batters finally gained the upper hand on day three with few signs of the treacherous conditions that saw 28 wickets fall on the opening two days at Lord's.

LONDON: South Africa won the World Test Championship against titleholder Australia by five wickets after knocking off the last 69 runs required on the fourth morning of the final on Saturday. The Proteas achieved their first major cricket title in 27 years,

Assistant coach Daniel Vettori insists Australia have not given up hope of retaining their World Test Championship crown after South Africa finished the third day at Lord's in a commanding position.

Australia's last wicket pair of Mitchell Starc (58no) and Josh Hazlewood (17) foreshadowed what was to come as they too batted through almost the entire first session to take their side to 207 all out and set SA 282 for victory.