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.

Aiden Markram scored an unbeaten century as South Africa edged tantalisingly close to an unlikely success in the World Test Championship final, needing 69 runs to dethrone Australia after reaching 213-2 at stumps on the third day at Lord’s on Friday.

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.

By Mark Gleeson LONDON (Reuters) -Australia took control of the World Test Championship final on Thursday as they stretched their lead over South Africa to 106 runs at tea on the second day after captain Pat Cummins had taken six wickets.