3m ago 13.04 BST Sterling shift as always, Will. Hello all. That bid, though expected, is huge news. Will be interesting to see how all parties – Newcastle, Liverpool and Isak – react. I want to hear your thoughts. Will Newcastle let him leave if Liverpool come in with an improved bid? Can Arne Slot keep everyone in his forward line happy if Isak walks through the doors? Should questions be asked about Newcastle’s business this window? Send me an email. Share

10m ago 12.57 BST What a an hour that was. Yara is back to pick up the pieces. Enjoy your weekend. Share

21m ago 12.47 BST It is understandable that Newcastle do not want to sell Isak, especially as their only other senior striker is Will Osula. There is one slight issue, however, mainly in the form that Isak is currently training alone in Spain. Will he return to the fold once the club’s tour to Asia concludes and be ready to go for the start of the season? Share

32m ago 12.35 BST That should liven up the rest of the afternoon, while you tuck in your sandwiches. Something to discuss at the water cooler. Share

35m ago 12.32 BST Newcastle reject opening bid from Liverpool for Isak Liverpool have seen their opening offer for Alexander Isak turned down by Newcastle. It is thought a £120m bid was made by the Premier League champions but Newcastle will hold out for more. Their situation is complicated by the fact they would first need to find a replacement for Isak. Share

46m ago 12.22 BST “Great windows for Liverpool and Arsenal so far and they both finished above Man City last season,” writes Phil Grey. “I’m guessing this will be the first season a Pep club won’t start the season as favourites to win the league (and the other domestic trophies) since his first season as a manager at Barcelona in 2008.” I think Liverpool start as favourites. City have done plenty of business over the past seven months and you always back Guardiola to have something up his sleeve. City will be an interesting watch either way. Share

1h ago 12.08 BST I think the most interesting League One game of the weekend will take place at Edgeley Park, where Stockport are hosting Bolton. The Hatters have enjoyed another successful summer in the market, even if they have lost Isaac Olaofe, although the money recouped on him shows they are smart operators in the market. Nathan Lowe looks a smart signing on loan, while Joseph Olowu is an excellent centre-back. Share

1h ago 12.00 BST Two power hours on the trot from Yara and I. It is high-intensity stuff, going in short bursts like Jofra Archer, causing chaos and danger in equal measure. Share

1h ago 11.59 BST Will Unwin is back to bring you the latest for the next hour. Hopefully I lived up to expectations. Share

1h ago 11.54 BST Brentford have not dropped their interest in Ipswich’s Omari Hutchinson, according to reports. Last month the west London club’s £35m bid was rejected. The fee matched the winger’s relegation release clause but did not include enough cash up front. The relegation clause has since expired. Brentford’s club-record fee spent was the £30m the spent on Igor Thiago from Club Brugge last year. Share

1h ago 11.46 BST Some early lunchtime listening, perhaps? In our latest episode of Football Weekly Extra Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Sanny Rudravajhala and George Elek to preview the return of league football this weekend. The Football League returns and crisis at Morecambe – Football Weekly Extra podcast Read more Plus after almost two years since Football Weekly’s last live show, they are making a return for one night only to Troxy in east London on 11 September. All the information and tickets (both in-person and for the livestream) can be found here. Football Weekly Live Read more Share

1h ago 11.38 BST Rhian Brewster becomes Derby’s eighth signing of the summer, the 25-year-old joining the club on a two-year contract after leaving Sheffield United. The striker was a regular for the Blades in the 2024-25 season, with 42 appearances in all competitions. They finished third in the table and reached the playoff final at Wembley. Rhian Brewster: “The project sounded really, really good and it’s something that I want to be a part of.” 👊 — Derby County (@dcfcofficial) August 1, 2025 Share

2h ago 11.33 BST Sven Ulreich, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper, has posted on his social media that his six-year-old son Len died a few weeks ago after a serious illness. The player thanked family, friends and Bayern for “their discretion and great support over the past few months” before asking the public to respect his family’s privacy during this time. Share

2h ago 11.20 BST The Guardian understands Leicester are hoping to complete the signing of the American midfielder Celeste Boureille. The 31-year-old left the French side Montpellier earlier this summer and has been a key target for the WSL side. More on that exclusive from Tom Garry as it comes. Excl. Leicester City are hoping to complete the signing of the American midfielder Celeste Boureille, the Guardian understands. The former Portland Thorns and AC Milan player left the French side Montpellier earlier this summer and has been a key target for the #BarclaysWSL side — Tom Garry (@TomJGarry) August 1, 2025 Share Updated at 11.42 BST

2h ago 11.16 BST A different type of transfer news: Liverpool unveil their new home shirt after switch from Nike to Adidas. Some clubs and kit sponsors just seem to make sense this. Liverpool and Adidas just screams of nostalgia. The club wore kits by the German apparel brand from 1985 to 1996, and again from 2006 to 2012. The unveiling launch video brings back those legends of yesteryear alongside the current crop of men’s and women’s players. YOUR DREAM. OUR REALITY. ❤️🤝

two icons, together again. pic.twitter.com/kHLYVIREmZ — adidas Football (@adidasfootball) August 1, 2025 Share Updated at 11.20 BST

2h ago 11.12 BST An update on João Palhinha: Tottenham have agreed to sign the midfielder on a season’s loan from Bayern Munich, with the deal for the Portugal international including an option to make his move permanent for £27m. It is understood that Spurs will pay a loan fee of £4.3m and will also cover the whole of Palhinha’s wages, with the 30-year-old expected to complete his medical in the coming days. Palhinha has three years remaining on his current contract but is believed to have been keen to return to the Premier League after enjoying two successful seasons in west London. He only made six starts in the Bundesliga under manager Vincent Kompany. Ed Aarons with the latest. Tottenham swoop for João Palhinha on loan as Moore moves to Rangers Read more Share

2h ago 11.04 BST Thanks Will, will try my best. Some loan news for you. Chelsea’s Mamadou Sarr has joined RC Strasbourg on a season-long loan. The defender joined the London outfit from the Ligue 1 side in June and was included in their squad for the Club World Cup. 𝖂𝖊𝖑𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖊 𝕸𝖆𝖒𝖆𝖉𝖔𝖚!

The Club is pleased to welcome back Mamadou Sarr, who joins Racing on loan for the 2025/26 season! pic.twitter.com/fZCSM39BIN — Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace English (@RCSA_English) August 1, 2025 He joins two other Chelsea players – Mike Penders and Kendry Paez – on loan at the Ligue 1 side. Manchester United have also sent Ethan Wheatley on loan at Northampton Town. Share

2h ago 11.00 BST I think we can all accept I’ve done an incredible for the opening 90 minutes of this blog. Can Yara El-Shaboury maintain this standard for the next hour? That’s for you to decide. Share

2h ago 10.53 BST It is not just the players primed for the new campaign after a brutal pre-season. Ben Fisher went to see the referees get put through their paces in Alicante. It’s good work if you can get it. The evolution of referees: speed tests, data, psychologists and superfoods Read more Share

2h ago 10.42 BST Looking ahead to tonight’s season opener … I am interested to see how Lasse Nordås gets on at Luton. I joined a sinking ship in January, made more difficult arriving from Norway during their pre-season. Now he has had chance to acclimatise, he could be very important to Luton’s chancers of bouncing straight back. Share

3h ago 10.20 BST Black Cats complete deal for Roefs Sunderland have signed the highly-rated Dutch goalkeeper Robin Roefs from NEC Nijmegen. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light, becoming the club’s eighth signing of a busy summer. “It feels really good to have signed for Sunderland,” Roefs said. “Joining such a big Club with a rich history is a proud moment for me, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead in the Premier League. Last season was my first real experience as a senior goalkeeper, and I was happy with how it went, especially with the stats at the end of the campaign. To be part of this journey at a Club like Sunderland is really special, and I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead.” View image in fullscreen Robin Roefs played for Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championships this summer. Photograph: Petr David Josek/AP Share

3h ago 10.16 BST When you watch a lot of League One and League Two it is easy to forget quite how sensationally good all these players are. At one point every one of the them was the best somewhere – school, youth, academy, wherever. It is a weird situation where they are living the dream – being paid to play football – but constantly having to acknowledge they are not the best at this. Max Rushden on the joys of transfers as a lower league fan, as they desperately every new face is the saviour they never knew. New signings are in line to be saviours – even if we don’t know who they are | Max Rushden Read more Share

3h ago 10.00 BST A further transfer nibble from me … Luton’s Lamine Fanne is wanted around Europe. Turkish side Konyaspor have already made contact with the Hatters about the Senegalese midfielder, who only moved to Kenilworth Road in January. Istanbul Basaksehir, Empoli and Copenhagen are also interested in the 21-year-old. Share

3h ago 09.59 BST Leyton Orient should confirm the loan signing of Manchester United’s Jack Moorhouse today. The player was at the club yesterday finalising the deal ahead of a season working with Richie Wellens. Orient had a cracking record with last season’s loan signings, so United will be hoping they can work their magic with the highly-talented Moorhouse. Share

3h ago 09.52 BST What happens when two superstars collide? Ben Fisher and Tom Brady in one article is about as good as it gets in the world of sport. Oh and Wayne Rooney gets further mention. A big day for him at Guardian HQ. Tom Brady’s Birmingham primed to touch down in the Championship Read more Share

3h ago 09.47 BST It looks like friend of Football Weekly Conor Coady is on his way to Wrexham from Leicester after the two clubs, reportedly, agreed a £2m fee for the former England centre-back. The Welsh club have enjoyed a good summer of mixing potential and experience in their transfer dealings. Share

3h ago 09.44 BST Rangers sign Spurs teenager Moore on loan Mikey Moore spoke of his love for Rangers after joining the Ibrox club from Tottenham on a season-long loan.

The highly-rated attacker, who turns 18 later this month, came through the ranks at Spurs and made his senior debut against Manchester City a little over 12 months ago, thus becoming the youngest Tottenham player to feature in the Premier League at the age of 16 years and 277 days.

Moore, who has played for England youth sides up to Under-19 level, told the Ibrox club’s official website: “I’m excited to get going.

“As soon as I heard Rangers were interested and wanted me to come, it was a massive opportunity for me. I’m excited to be here and hopefully I can show the fans and everyone what I can do. I’ve always loved Rangers as a club. My family have always loved them.

“I think with the new boss and the way that we play, it’s a great place to be at the minute. It was a pretty easy decision for me to come here.” PA Media View image in fullscreen Mikey Moore has moved to Rangers from Tottenham. Photograph: Nigel French/PA Share

3h ago 09.39 BST Where is Alexander Isak? He has wandered off to San Sebastian to enjoy a bit of solo training, some pintxos and hopefully the odd glass of Txakoli. I appreciate he might want to leave but it is always fascinating how these players go about it. Arne Slot says Liverpool are always keen on signing top quality players and there aren’y many – if any – better strikers than Isak around. It also helps that he really wants to move to Anfield. Slot says Liverpool will target quality players amid links to Alexander Isak Read more Share

Kylian Mbappé at the 2022 World Cup Kylian Mbappé playing for the French national team during the World Cup in Qatar, December 2022. (more)

Kylian Mbappé French soccer player Ask the Chatbot a Question Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Kylian Mbappé Lottin

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Kylian Mbappé (born December 20, 1998, Paris, France) is a French football (soccer) player whose speed and goal scoring as an attacker have made him a dominant force in European club competition. In 2022 he became the first player in football history to have scored four career goals in World Cup finals.

Early life Kylian Mbappé was born in Paris and grew up in Bondy, one of the Parisian suburbs (banlieues) with working-class, mostly immigrant residents. His mother, Fayza Lamari, is of Algerian descent, and his father, Wilfried Mbappé, had immigrated from Cameroon. Wilfried Mbappé was a coach and director for the local club AS Bondy, and his son joined the club’s youth teams at age six. Kylian Mbappé quickly became known for his exceptional speed and ball handling, and, several years later, he was selected to train at Clairefontaine, France’s national academy for elite football players. He spent two years there, and a number of notable European clubs—among them Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)—expressed an interest in signing him. Britannica Quiz American Sports Nicknames In 2013, at age 14, he signed with AS Monaco, which competes in Ligue 1 (France’s top-division league), and he played on the club’s youth and under-19 teams.

Club play: AS Monaco and PSG When Mbappé made his debut with AS Monaco’s first team—on December 2, 2015—he was just a few weeks shy of his 17th birthday. He was at that time the youngest first-team player in the club’s history. (Thierry Henry had previously been the youngest.) Mbappé scored only one goal and saw limited playing time during the 2015–16 season. In 2016–17, however, he scored 15 goals, which tied him for fifth among Ligue 1 players, and AS Monaco captured the Ligue 1 title. Powered by Mbappé and teammate Radamel Falcao, the team defeated Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund in knockout matches as it advanced to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League semifinals, where it lost to Juventus. In August 2017 Mbappé moved to PSG, which also signed Neymar, a prolific Brazilian scorer. Together they led PSG to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles (2017–18, 2018–19, and 2019–20). Mbappé was named the league’s Player of the Year for the 2018–19 season, when he scored 33 goals, the most in Ligue 1. He led the league in goals in each of the next three seasons, and he again earned league Player of the Year honors in 2020–21, and 2021–22. Access for the whole family! Bundle Britannica Premium and Kids for the ultimate resource destination. Subscribe In 2021 PSG signed Lionel Messi, another of the world’s best football players, and the team, now featuring one of the most talented front lines in the history of the sport, won the Ligue 1 title in 2021–22. Mbappé subsequently agreed to a new contract that could, via an extension clause, keep him at PSG through 2025. The contract also, reportedly, made him the world’s highest-paid football player. In 2022−23, for the fifth season in a row, Mbappé led Ligue 1 in goals scored, and he was again named league Player of the Year; PSG also won another Ligue 1 championship. The 2023–24 season saw PSG win Ligue 1 again and Mbappé receive Player of the Year honors again—the team’s third consecutive title and Mbappé’s fifth consecutive win. It was widely reported in February 2024 that Mbappé had informed PSG that he would not exercise his contract’s extension clause and thus intended to leave the club after the 2023–24 season. In May 2024 Mbappé said on social media he would be leaving PSG, and in June 2024 Real Madrid officially announced he would be joining that club. In his first season for Real Madrid (2024–25), Mbappé scored a total of 43 goals across competitions, including 31 goals in the La Liga, to become the league’s top scorer that season.

South African captain Temba Bavuma has revealed one of Australia’s players tried getting in his head with the dreaded “chokers” tag on day four of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

The Proteas defeated reigning champions Australia by five wickets at the home of cricket courtesy of a career-defining century from opener Aiden Markram, ending a 27-year trophy drought for the rainbow nation.

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The South Africans have become renowned as perennial chokers in ICC events, losing nine semi-finals in nine attempts across World Cups and Champions Trophy tournaments since 1999.

Speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference on Sunday, Bavuma confirmed one of Australia’s players reminded him of South Africa’s record in ICC knockouts, prefacing there “wasn’t a lot of chatter” out on the field.

“The tag of us being chokers, that came about this morning,” Bavuma recalled.

“One of their players threw out the fact we could still get bowled out … I definitely heard that.”

Aiden Markram of South Africa is congratulated by Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne as he walks off. Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.

South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma holds the winner’s trophy. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth.

In another interview, Bavuma added: “Whilst we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word, ‘choke’.

“It’s been years since we’ve overcome a final, we’ve been etched in history, we’re part of something that has never been done. It’s special in a lot of ways.”

Asked about the chokers sledge, Markram responded: “It will be great to not have to hear it again, that’s for sure.”

The Proteas had plenty of demons to conquer on Day 3 with the memory of choking yet again still fresh from last year’s loss to India in the T20 World Cup.

South Africa’s women’s side also fell short in the final of both the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups to add to the heartbreak.

“It’s not just that they’ve never won one,” Mel Jones said during the first session on Prime Video.

“They’ve been in so many commanding positions, year after year, in such a wide range of events, from the Champions Trophy to the 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup.

“Apologies to the South Africans listening, I don’t want to take you down a horrendous trail, but I think this is why so many have come today, it’s history in the making.

“I reckon there’s even some Aussies there going ‘we wouldn’t mind’.”

We’re not so sure about that one, Mel, Aussie cricket fans are greedy and pretty accustomed to success.

But this South African team under coach Shukri Conrad and diminutive, combative skipper Bavuma, finally has its crowning moment.

Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma. Photo by Paul Harding/Gallo Images/Getty Images.

Pat Cummins’ team came into the match as heavy favourites, but serious question marks will now be asked about his ageing side as the Proteas eagerly snatched the WTC Mace from the defending champions.

Resuming on 2/213 in their second innings on Saturday, needing just 69 runs to win, South Africa lost skipper Temba Bavuma (66) early in the day but still had few troubles chasing down the 282-run total in a momentous win for the perennial bridesmaids.

Opener Aiden Markram’s (136) match-winning knock ended with just six runs required, but South Africa still marched to the biggest title in their long cricketing history.

Australia’s Steve Smith, sidelined by a gruesome finger injury for the final day, is still in imperious form at the age of 36.

But the heavy defeat means fellow veterans Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja will now be under even more scrutiny, with the likes of Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis waiting in the wings.

Kyle Verreynne (left) celebrates hitting the winning runs. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Cummins said his side had been faced with a “bridge too far” after failing to capitalise on its first innings lead.

“Things can change pretty quickly,” said Cummins at the post-match presentation ceremony. “Unfortunately, it was a bridge too far.”

Smith’s first-innings 66 was the only score of fifty or more in the match by a specialist Australia batsman.

Smith, however, suffered a dislocated finger while dropping a slip catch and is now doubtful for the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados on June 25.

Australia, now at the start of a new WTC cycle, may have to review their batting options more broadly, with Marnus Labuschagne who averaged a lowly 25.63 in Tests during the 2024/25 season, out for 17 and 22 at Lord’s after being promoted to open the innings.

“We’ve got a couple of weeks before the first Test in the Windies, so we’ll sit down and have a bit of a think,” said Cummins.

“To make these finals, it’s normally off the back of being really strong at home, but you’ve got to win some away series too,” he later told reporters at a post-match press conference.

“So, in some ways, it’s good we get to dust ourselves off and turn around in a couple of weeks and start looking ahead to the next one.

“That’s one of the good things about the World Test Championship, every Test series and every Test match feels like you’re playing for something significant.”

13 Jun 2025 18.12 BST Wiaan Mulder gives the South African reaction We took away the fear of failure going into this innings. [The coach Shukri Conrad] had a long chat with us the other day and said basically, ‘We have to go for it. Whatever they set, we’re gonna get.’ If you look at us today compared with the first innings there was less fear of failure and an intent to score every ball. [On the Markram/Bavuma partnership] Ah, it’s super-special. Both those guys have been through a lot of adversity over the last couple of years. You could see how drained they were as they walked off. It’s really special to see two guys who put South African cricket first do something special for us. [On the pitch] Yeah I think it did [change]. It was quite slow today, the movement was slower than on days one and two and there wasn’t as much nip. Even when we were bowling this morning everything was happening really slowly. I’m glad we capitalised. Share

13 Jun 2025 18.08 BST South Africa will return in the morning needing 69 to win the World Test Championship. It’s within touching distance; it’ll feel miles away if they lose an early wicket. South Africa’s history – micro and macro – means nobody will take anything for granted. But right here, right now, this feels like their time, at last. Share

13 Jun 2025 18.05 BST “Markram isn’t the only palindromic surname, but it’s the longest,” says Adrian Armstrong. “Others are (Rangy) Nanan and (Arun) Lal.” Share

13 Jun 2025 18.05 BST Stumps: South Africa need 69 runs to win 56th over: South Africa 213-2 (target 282; Markram 102, Bavuma 65) The last over of the day, bowled by Lyon, passes without incident and that’s the end of a compelling day’s play at Lord’s. Australia’s players all congratulate Markram before he walks off with the limping Temba Bavuma. Then Bavuma hangs back to allow Markram to be first into the Long Room. He looks absolutely spent, mentally as much as physically. Share Updated at 18.05 BST

13 Jun 2025 18.02 BST In the context – that’s the only C-word we’ve needed today – of South Africa’s yearning for a big ICC prize, the cold efficiency of Markram’s innings has been extraordinary. There have been some high-class strokes, particularly the daps behind square on the off side, but the greatness of this innings lies in the mundane – especially his management of risk and ability to score at a good rate even when going without a boundary for long periods. Share

13 Jun 2025 18.00 BST An epic hundred from Aiden Markram! 55th over: South Africa 210-2 (target 282; Markram 102, Bavuma 62) There it is! Markram flicks Hazlewood through midwicket for four, prompting a huge roar from the South Africa fans. He celebrates modestly, almost sheepishly, as his captain Temba Bavuma stands a few yards away, applauding with pride and gratitude and admiration and love and much else besides. View image in fullscreen Aiden Markram brings up his hundred. What a performance by the South African batsman. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images Share Updated at 18.10 BST

13 Jun 2025 17.54 BST 54th over: South Africa 206-2 (target 282; Markram 98, Bavuma 62) Lyon continues with the replacement ball. It’s at the other end, in the hands of Hazlewood, that everyone will be looking for signs of life. Bavuma cuffs Lyon inside out through the covers for two. That’s also how many Markram will need for a century when he takes strike at the start of the next over. If the rest of the match goes to plan for South Africa, they and we will talk about this partnership forever. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.50 BST Ten minutes to the close. South Africa still need 78 so they won’t be claiming the extra half-hour View image in fullscreen Alex Carey watches on as David Bedingham stops the shot of Temba Bavuma. Photograph: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC/Getty Images Share Updated at 17.57 BST

13 Jun 2025 17.48 BST 53rd over: South Africa 204-2 (target 282; Markram 98, Bavuma 60) Three singles from Hazlewood’s over, all hooked or pulled. There’s a break in play while Australia try to get the ball changed. It looks like they’re in luck; the old ball won’t go through the whatchamacallit. “Is Markram the only palindrome to have played Test cricket?” writes Mark Rice-Oxley. “If so, does that increase the likelihood of him being out for 99, or 101?” I don’t suppose Viv counts, does it? Share

13 Jun 2025 17.43 BST 52nd over: South Africa 201-2 (target 282; Markram 97, Bavuma 58) Lyon back on for Head. A huge offbreak turns down the leg side, beating Carey and rolling for two byes. Those runs bring up South Africa’s 200. Lyon is getting some vicious spin now. At the risk of sounding like Richard Keys circa 1994-95, bellowing down the camera that Coventry 0-0 QPR is “beautifully poised”, I’m still not sure this game is done. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.38 BST 51st over: South Africa 198-2 (target 282; Markram 97, Bavuma 57) A brutish lifter from Hazlewood to Markram hits high on the bat and drops safely on the off side. That would unnerve many players but not Markram, not today; he ends the over with a pristine straight drive for four. He’s three away from a quietly epic hundred. Actually, replays show that Hazlewood almost fingertipped that drive onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Had he done so, Bavuma would have been run out because he was slow to turn due to his hamstring injury. Share Updated at 17.39 BST

13 Jun 2025 17.34 BST 50th over: South Africa 194-2 (target 282; Markram 93, Bavuma 57) Markram does well to deflect a big off-break from Head off middle stump; he’d have been in trouble had he missed that. Instead he takes a single, which allows Bavuma to hammer a sweep through square leg for four. His performance almost brings a lump to the throat. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.30 BST 49th over: South Africa 189-2 (target 282; Markram 92, Bavuma 53) Hazlewood replaces Webster. Australia have been working constantly on the ball – behave yourself – but there’s no sign of any reverse swing. One from the over. “This match!” says Eva Maaten. “This is taking me right back to my years in Johannesburg, rooting for South Africa against Australia. Same players, more or less, than before Covid when I lived there. Those were the days… watching on Sky from Germany these days, it’s not quite the same.” But at least you’ve got the Guardian OB- oh. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.27 BST A gem of a stat from Tim de Lisle Aiden Markram has just faced his 137th delivery, which makes his the longest innings of the match. Mitchell Starc was top of the pops with his 136-ball 58 earlier in the day. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.25 BST 48th over: South Africa 188-2 (target 282; Markram 91, Bavuma 53) Pat Cummins rolls the dice by bringing on Travis Head in place of Lyon. Head is a proven matchwinner, though it’s usually with the bat. His loosener (sic) spits nastily at Markram, who aborts his plannd attacking stroke. Later in the over Bavuma sweeps fine and forces himself to get back for a second. That’s probably the most aggressive run he has taken since tea. Just over half an hour to play tonight. Australia surely need a wicket in that time. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.21 BST 47th over: South Africa 185-2 (target 282; Markram 90, Bavuma 51) Markram flicks Webster for a single to move into the nineties. It’s been a clinical performance, at times almost bloodless, and that’s a compliment given the South African backstory that we may have mentioned once or twice. There’s an individual backstory too. Markram has made only one Test century outside South Africa, a minor classic at Rawalpindi in 2021. That aside, his record overseas has been pretty wretched; he average 22.58 from 16 Tests going into this game. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.16 BST 46th over: South Africa 184-2 (target 282; Markram 89, Bavuma 51) Bavuma continues to push forward as far has his hamstring will allow to smother any spin from Lyon. Then, after Lyon moves round the wicket, Bavuma gets an inside-edge and the ball lodges behind the flap of the pad. No debate this time, it’s a clear dead ball. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.13 BST 45th over: South Africa 184-2 (target 282; Markram 89, Bavuma 51) Oh that’s gorgeous from Markram, a deliberate steer for four off Webster. He opened the face and glided the ball expertly past the man at short third. South Africa’s target is down to double figures: 98. Ninety-eight. Ninety-eight. Ninety-arghhhhhhh. And I’m a neutral. “How on earth have we gone from 14 wickets a day for two days to only 4 wickets today,” wonders Michael Meagher. “Don’t wickets deteriorate as the days pass?” Not always. View image in fullscreen South Africa need under a ton to win. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images/Reuters Share Updated at 17.33 BST

13 Jun 2025 17.09 BST Fifty for Bavuma 44th over: South Africa 179-2 (target 282; Markram 85, Bavuma 50) Temba Bavuma, a giant in a world of men who proudly state their height on dating profiles, pushes Lyon for a single to reach an inspirational half-century from 83 balls. A reminder, in case WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN, that he has a hamstring strain and can only hobble between the wickets. His partner Markram, who has accommodated that injury and helped find the perfect tempo, forces Lyon expertly through the covers for four. South Africa are 103 runs away from victory/glory/immorality. Share Updated at 17.10 BST

13 Jun 2025 17.05 BST 43rd over: South Africa 174-2 (target 282; Markram 81, Bavuma 49) Webster continues and is driven for a single by Bavuma. That’s it. Meanwhile, if you’re into the whole precedent thing, this could yet be a reversal of that classic Test at Gqeberha in 1997. The scorecard is full of gems, not least Allan Donald’s first-innings figures: 23-13-18-1. “I once got a prize at school when I was young for ‘courage in the face of adversity’,” writes Colum Fordham. “I think if any sports player deserved an award of the sort, it would be Temba Bavuma, leading from the front despite being in clear pain. “As clearly emerged from the excellent Guardian interview, he has had to overcome all manner of obstacles to become first a Test player and then captain of his country. I hope the gods of cricket help in his bid to play the captain’s innings of the ages. What a superb Test match we are being treated to. Markram is playing quite sublimely. Can the Proteas pull off a cricketing miracle?” Would it be a miracle? I mean, this is rich coming from me given that a couple of hours ago I basically congratulated Australia on victory, but I wouldn’t call it a miracle if South Africa win. Still think there’s a twist, though. Share

13 Jun 2025 17.01 BST Hundred partnership between Markram and Bavuma 42nd over: South Africa 173-2 (target 282; Markram 81, Bavuma 48) The finest of margins. Bavuma top-edges a slog-sweep off Lyon towards deep midwicket. The substitute Sam Konstas runs in and dives forward, only for the ball to bounce this far short and scuttle under him for four runs. That brings up a terrific hundred partnership, incredibly level-headed in the circumstances, and South Africa need a few more because it will not be easy starting against Lyon from this end. Later in the over Markram does well to get on top of a spiteful delivery and force it to safety on the off side. View image in fullscreen Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma bring up the century partnership. Can South Africa pull this off? Photograph: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images Share Updated at 17.16 BST

13 Jun 2025 16.57 BST 41st over: South Africa 168-2 (target 282; Markram 81, Bavuma 42) Beau Webster replaces Mitchell Starc, who bowled a short, expensive spell of 2-0-16-0. As you’d expect he’s bowling fullish and very straight, hoping his height will exaggerate any low bounce. A bit of extra bounce surprises Markram, who carves the ball in the air for a couple. Doesn’t matter as it was a no-ball. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.53 BST 40th over: South Africa 164-2 (target 282; Markram 79, Bavuma 42) Lyon switching ends could be a big moment in this game, almost like a ball change for the seamers at, say, The Oval in 2023. The ball is doing much more now, and Lyon’s close field – slip, leg slip, short leg – reflects that. Bavuma is beaten on the outside but keeps his back foot at home. “Regardless of the result,” writes my colleague Taha Hashim, “it’s beyond frustrating that this South African side won’t play a home Test until the backend of next year.” Share

13 Jun 2025 16.48 BST Drinks: South Africa need 122 runs to win 39th over: South Africa 160-2 (target 282; Markram 76, Bavuma 41) On commentary, Stuart Broad makes the point that Australia are giving South Africa too many comfortable singles. At the start that was fine – it was a game of patience – but there is no sign of Markram or Bavuma being bored out. Markram opens the face to glide Starc for four, a fabulous shot both in its conception and execution. This is where cricket’s fusion of team and individual sport is at its most compelling. Chances are that, because of the context, Aiden Markram’s innings will either be carved in stone or made of chip paper. There is almost nothing inbetween. Time for a breather, aka drinks. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.40 BST 38th over: South Africa 154-2 (target 282; Markram 71, Bavuma 40) Lyon switches ends and immediately gets more joy from the pitch. Markram is almost bowled when misses a yahoo at a beauty that turns through the gate and past the stumps. Later in the over another big-spinning delivery slips away for four leg-byes. That’s 17 runs from the last two overs, which means South Africa need 128 to win. This is deliciously tense. Edibly tense. EFFING TENSE, OKAY? Share Updated at 16.40 BST

13 Jun 2025 16.35 BST 37th over: South Africa 147-2 (target 282; Markram 71, Bavuma 39) Mitchell Starc comes back on to replace Lyon (10-2-30-0). A change of pace and probably a change of tempo, because a Starc spell usually involves boundaries, wickets or both. As if to prove the point, Markram slices Starc’s first ball well wide of the cordon for four. Those runs take South Africa into Bon Jovi territory: 141 runs down, 141 to go. It looks like Markram fancies Starc. After hitting the field with a couple of attacking strokes he waves an imperious boundary to the left of mid-on. For six or seven years, Markram’s Test form has been one of cricket’s unsolved mysteries. Maybe it was all just a prologue to this innings. It’s hard to comprehend, never mind convey, what it would mean for any South African batter to make a century in a World Test Championship-winning runchase. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.27 BST 36th over: South Africa 137-2 (target 282; Markram 62, Bavuma 38) Bavuma times Cummins delightfully down the ground for four. Some innings, this. A reminder, for those who haven’t been focussing on this run-chase to the exclusion of everything else, that he has a hamstring injury and can only hobble between the wickets. Starc has bowled only seven of the 36 overs so far, a surprise given he too both wickets and had Bavuma dropped. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.22 BST 35th over: South Africa 130-2 (target 282; Markram 62, Bavuma 33) Markram continues his low-key gem of an innings with a beautiful extra-cover drive off Lyon. He wanted three but Bavuma wasn’t up to it. South Africa are 36 for 0 from 11 overs since tea. Australia’s need for a wicket is becoming pretty urgent. Share Updated at 16.23 BST

13 Jun 2025 16.19 BST 34th over: South Africa 126-2 (target 282; Markram 59, Bavuma 33) Bavuma push-drives Cummins stylishly through mid-off for two; it would have been three but for his hamstring injury. South Africa’s batters have managed risk expertly since tea. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.14 BST 33rd over: South Africa 124-2 (target 282; Markram 59, Bavuma 31) Markram skids back to force Lyon through the covers for a couple. Then he skips down the track, apparently with a big shot in mind, but mistimes a single to long-on. Markram hit three fours in the first five overs of the innings. Since then he’s managed just one, a big edge off Cummins. But his strike-rate is a very healthy 69 so there’s no need to force it, especially with South Africa on top in this session. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.10 BST Steve Smith taken to hospital with dislocated finger The Australian team have confirmed that Steve Smith suffered a compound dislocation on the little finger of his right hand when he dropped Bavuma in the 20th over. He’s been taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. View image in fullscreen This really doesn’t do it justice. Photograph: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC/Getty Images Share Updated at 16.23 BST

13 Jun 2025 16.09 BST 32nd over: South Africa 120-2 (target 282; Markram 56, Bavuma 30) A single from Markram brings up the fifty partnership in 81 balls, which shows how well South Africa have rotated strike despite Bavuma’s injury. Share

13 Jun 2025 16.06 BST 31st over: South Africa 119-2 (target 282; Markram 55, Bavuma 30) Lyon replaces Cummins and goes around the wicket, who gets a thick edge that drops short of Webster at slip and bounces away for four. That’s only the second boundary in the last 16 overs, which shows that Australia have a degree of scoreboard control. But they need a wicket and even a bowling attack of this experience must be starting to feel itchy. “Hello Rob, writes Tom Paternoster-Howe. “iven that he had to restart his innings after the interval, why didn’t Bavuma retire hurt during tea? There’s a couple of half-decent batters after him, and between them and Markram they should be able to be trusted to see out 39 overs for the loss of no more than one wicket (or a second late enough to have a night watchman). Then his hamstring will have time to have some intensive physio so that it will be less sore and restrictive by tomorrow morning.” “I know a captain would never want to be seen to be retreating from the front line, but surely that’s best for the team. Back in the day Bradman hid himself away from sticky dogs so that the team could benefit from his batting when conditions were playable, and his Aussie teams were reasonably successful!” I wondered about this. I guess he’s intent on leading by example; he may also know that his hamstring won’t improve overnight so he might as well wince and bear it. Either way, he’s doing an admirable job. Share Updated at 16.09 BST

13 Jun 2025 16.01 BST 30th over: South Africa 113-2 (target 282; Markram 55, Bavuma 24) Bavuma winces back for a second run off Hazlewood. He’s not batting freely – far from it – but he’s batting calmly and with fierce determination. Hazlewood goes up for LBW when Markram misses a flick across the line. Missing leg; Hazlewood didn’t even bother discussing a review Share

13 Jun 2025 15.57 BST 29th over: South Africa 110-2 (target 282; Markram 55, Bavuma 21) Same again from Cummins: gunbarrel straight on a good length. And same again for South Africa, three comfortable singles. They’ve added 16 in five overs since tea, almost by stealth. Just another 172 to go. “Loved the fifty years of counterfactual WTC finals that you linked to earlier,” says Brian Withington. “But imagine my extreme disappointment at the absence of any concluding recreation of at least one final, whether in the garden, Subbuteo cricket field or Monte Carlo simulation! I may need to spend some quiet time with an old copy of Wisden …” Fear not, Larry Nerd over here is on the case. The 1975 final between Australia and West Indies is beautifully poised, and I’ll get back to it as soon as real-life cricket stops getting in the way. Share

13 Jun 2025 15.53 BST 28th over: South Africa 107-2 (target 282; Markram 54, Bavuma 19) Bavuma has plenty of time to turn Hazlewood through square leg for a single. This is a game of patience for Australia’s bowlers. Hazlewood is so close to the big wicket with a nipbacker that keeps a bit low and is inside-edged this far wide of the stumps by Markram. I still think 175 runs is a lot on this pitch. Mind you I thought the same when Australia were 107 for 3 chasing 281 on a not dissimilar surface at Edgbaston two years ago. If this goes the distance, Pat Cummins may decide not to take the new ball. Share

13 Jun 2025 15.47 BST 27th over: South Africa 102-2 (target 282; Markram 51, Bavuma 17) Cummins is making the batters play at almost every ball. That’s the obvious tactic on an uneven pitch, but not many bowlers have such control of line as Cummins. Bavuma recoils slightly after a defensive stroke, surprised by how much the ball bounced, and then under-edges a pull for a single. Good, aggressive bowling from Cummins. Share

13 Jun 2025 15.41 BST 26th over: South Africa 101-2 (target 282; Markram 51, Bavuma 16) There are still 39 overs remaining today, though it’s unlikely they’ll get them all in. Realistically, South Africa can’t win this game tonight. Australia can but it would take a collapse for the books. Markram drives Hazlewood, on for Lyon, through mid-on for a single. He has settled nicely into a spell of low-risk accumulation, almost like a Test equivalent of the ODI middle overs, and has scored 24 from 38 balls since he last hit a four. Bavuma, who would rather deal in boundaries, gets his first with a well-timed flick just in front of square. Share Updated at 15.43 BST

13 Jun 2025 15.37 BST Half-century for Markram 25th over: South Africa 95-2 (target 282; Markram 50, Bavuma 11) Pat Cummins brings himself back on after tea. Weird to think that Aidan Markram hasn’t played a Test match against Australia since his stellar series in 2017-18; he drags a single into the leg side to reach an excellent, tone-setting fifty from 69 balls. Not sure Bavuma enjoyed that single though; his hamstring isn’t in a good way. Bavuma pings a cover drive off Cummins that is well stopped by Labuschagne; that probably saved four. View image in fullscreen Aiden Markram celebrates reaching his half century. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Action Images/Reuters Share Updated at 15.48 BST

13 Jun 2025 15.32 BST The players are back, the limping Bavuma included. “I’d just like say that Temba Bavuma is one of my favourite cricketers,” writes Romeo. “He’s the size of Precious McKenzie, has the speed in the outfield of Usain Bolt, the grit of a pearl and the [redacted genitalia-themed simile]. And the nous of Alan Turing.” Share

13 Jun 2025 15.31 BST “This is surely a neutral’s heaven, Rob?” writes Guy Hornsby. “I know not many are truly neutral in this game but even as an Englishman that would love the Proteas to finally get over the line, this has been another brilliant Test match. “As exhilarating as the first six sessions were, a result by lunch today would’ve left us feeling a little wanting. The bowling has been excellent, the batting far less, but conditions have brought Australia’s tail and South Africa’s batters back into it. And, whisper it, this feels very much 52/48, as all good surveys should be. I’d dearly love Bavuma’s team to get this done. Fire up the CRUCIAL NEXT SESSION klaxon. This is right on the edge.” Klaxons make the world go round. I still think it’s around 70:30 in Australia’s favour but it wouldn’t be entirely without precedent were I to be talking utter bobbins. Share

13 Jun 2025 15.18 BST The real quiz What are you doing on Monday night? No, forget that, come to The Nightwatchman Quiz and Fairfield Books Launch Event! It’s at the Jolly Gardeners pub in SE11, wherever that is, and entry is £10 per person. (It’s for a good cause, actually two good causes, so put that in your internal monologue.) I’ll be there along with at least one of the OBO team. But please don’t let that be your only reason for coming. Fairfield Books are launching In Syd’s Voice, by David ‘Syd’ Lawrence and Dean Wilson, and Cricket Captains of England 1979-2025 by our old friend Vic Marks, and the quiz is always loads of fun. Here’s a bit more from the official blurb. The Nightwatchman quiz – part general knowledge, part devilishly tricky cricket questions – is set and hosted by quizmaster extraordinaire Marcus Berkmann. Usual rules apply – if you’d like to enter a team of four (that’s the max for those who haven’t been before), you can either buy four tickets in one go or book individually and confirm your team name and members via email. Alternatively, if you don’t have a full team, just let us know and we will squeeze you in alongside some like-minded individuals. Extras: Entry is £10 per person, which includes a copy of the Nightwatchman issue 50. You can buy tickets or find out more by clicking here. Share Updated at 15.26 BST

13 Jun 2025 15.14 BST Tea: South Africa need 188 to win 24th over: South Africa 94-2 (target 282; Markram 49, Bavuma 11) Bavuma square drives Starc and hobbles through for a single. Markram carves another behind point, then Bavuma turns a third through midwicket. All three were kind of one-and-a-half, giving Bavuma plenty of time to get down the other end. Markram clips the last ball of the session to mid-on for a slightly tighter single, at least in the context of Bavuma’s hamstring injury. He makes it comfortably enough and heads off for tea with the World Test Championship deliciously poised. South Africa need 188 runs, Australia eight wickets. Share Updated at 15.19 BST

13 Jun 2025 15.08 BST 23rd over: South Africa 90-2 (target 282; Markram 47, Bavuma 9) It looked like Hazlewood was going to replace Lyon but Cummins has apparently changed his mind. Maybe the plan is to have Bavuma stretching forward, trying to get to the pitch. For now it’s Markram on strike, and he has to bend his back to keep out a grubber from round the wicket. A maiden. Time for one more over from Starc before tea. Share

13 Jun 2025 15.05 BST Bavuma has had his hamstring strapped and is going to continue. Forget the windows; he’ll have to mind the quick singles now. View image in fullscreen Temba Bavuma is ok, folks. Photograph: Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Share Updated at 15.30 BST

13 Jun 2025 15.04 BST While we wait, let’s look at a photo of some people working really, really hard. View image in fullscreen Team Guardian at Lord’s. (From left, Geoff Lemon, Andy Bull, Ali Martin and Simon Burnton.) Photograph: Sky Sports Share

13 Jun 2025 15.01 BST Temba Bavuma has called the physio on and is receiving treatment to either his calf or his hamstring. This doesn’t look great. Share

13 Jun 2025 14.59 BST 22nd over: South Africa 90-2 (target 282; Markram 47, Bavuma 9) Bavuma’s slightly frisky start has allowed Markram to potter along almost unnoticed. His only boundary in the last 17 overs was that edge off Cummins but he’s still scoring an excellent rate: 47 from 58 balls. He feels like the key wicket. “And to think that yesterday I was toying with the insane idea of three-innings Test matches if they were low-scoring enough …” says Nick Lezard. Imagine if India and Australia had to bat a third time on that Mumbai crumbler in 2004. They’d have done well to make 50! Share Updated at 15.06 BST

LONDON (AP) — Chokers no more.

The South Africans consigned the label to history when they ripped the World Test Championship mace from Australia’s callused grip inside four days of a riveting final at Lord’s.

South Africa wore a new tag on Saturday — champion — by claiming its first major cricket trophy in 27 years when it wrapped up a five-wicket win.

The last 69 runs required on day four were confidently knocked off by the Proteas in just over two hours — only three boundaries — with Australia typically fighting all the way to the inevitable end.

South Africa moved from a portentous 213-2 overnight to a winning 285-5, the second highest successful run chase in the 141-year test history at the home of cricket.

Victory laid to rest ghosts of heartbreaking losses on big ICC stages that have haunted South Africa for decades. The venues and dates are infamous in South Africa cricket, among them Birmingham 1999, Dhaka 2011, Auckland 2015, Kolkata 2023 and Bridgetown 2024.

But London 2025 will go down as one of the greatest days in South Africa sports, when its cricket underdogs grabbed the advantage and finally didn’t let go against a red-hot Australia.

“Whilst we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word, choke,” Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said. “It’s been years since we’ve overcome a final. We’ve been etched in history, we’re part of something that has never been done. It’s special in a lot of ways.”

The stunning result bodes well for South Africa’s preparations for its home ODI World Cup in 2027. It’s a different format, but the Proteas’ mindsets won’t be burdened by not having won a global trophy since the Champions Trophy’s precursor in 1998.

Australia didn’t give up the WTC mace easily, relentlessly attacking the stumps and trying to prey on any South Africa butterflies. The Australians used up their three reviews in vain within the first 90 minutes and took the new ball but were blunted by a flat pitch. The serial champions lost an ICC final for only a fourth time in 14 chances.

“They were fantastic in that fourth innings,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said. “There wasn’t a lot in the wicket but they didn’t give us a chance.”

The Proteas were staunch, losing only three wickets on Saturday. One of them was Aiden Markram, the colossus Australia could not topple until it was too late.

He resumed the day on 102 and was out for 136 when only six runs from victory. He spent six hours, 23 minutes in the middle. Australia didn’t celebrate his wicket. Instead, players slapped Markram on the back and congratulated him on his match-winning knock as the Lord’s crowd stood and applauded.

“Growing up, Lord’s was the one venue I wanted to play at,” Markram said. “To do it at a final and win is something really special.”

About 15 minutes later, Kyle Verreynne hit the winning run, a drive into the covers.

Markram and an injured Bavuma set up the victory the day before with an unbeaten partnership of 143 runs. They could not finish what they started, adding only four runs together before Bavuma edged Cummins behind on 66, one more than he had overnight.

Markram was man of the match. Teammate Kagiso Rabada had nine-for in the match.

South Africa’s target was set at 282, considered too far. But in a batting unit far less experienced than Australia’s and considered a weak point, Markram and Bavuma chanced on ideal batting conditions on day three Friday and exploited them mercilessly. The turning point was Bavuma dropped in the slips on 2 by Steve Smith, who broke his finger and didn’t return to the match.

South Africa was criticized by some before the final for its supposedly easier road in the 2023-25 WTC cycle — it didn’t face Australia or England in a series — but it has won eight straight tests, its second longest streak in history.

Bavuma, the Proteas’ first Black captain, said he was inspired by his country’s Springboks, winners of the last two Rugby World Cups and led by their first Black captain, Siya Kolisi.

“I am not a big rugby fan but I watch those guys and the biggest thing I admire is their success and how they have embraced what South Africa means,” Bavuma said. “We are unique in a lot of ways, our present and future is shaped by our past, but the way they have gone about it to capture the hearts of everyone has really made us love them.

“That is something we have spoken about, doing something special. It is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget our issues and come together. For this group of players, there are a lot of doubters but the way we played wiped that out.”

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AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket