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.

Australia and South Africa are contesting the ICC Test Cricket final at Lord's in England this weekend, and if the result doesn't go the Aussie's way, spare a thought for one of their biggest stars, Mitchell Starc.

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.

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.

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.

Steve Smith led an Australia fightback to put the defending champions on 190-5 at tea on the opening day of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s on Wednesday. Smith scored

Steve Smith's immediate playing future for Australia's upcoming Test tour of the Caribbean is in doubt after suffering a compound dislocation of finger on day three of the World Test Championship final at Lord's.