‘The pitch certainly became slower and easier’ — Dale Steyn as South Africa mount comeback on Day 3 of WTC Final 2025

SA would need to put forth the most effort to get 69 runs on Day 4, according to the former South African speedster Dale Steyn. He concurred that by Day 3, the pitch had flattened and slowed down to the point where even players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were able to bat effectively.

Following Day 3 at the Home of Cricket, Dale Steyn discussed the current World Test Championship Final 2025. According to the former cricket player, South Africa would believe that if they had taken wickets a little too early on Day 1, they would have won the game with ease. He anticipated a fierce battle from the Australian bowlers and fielders and thought the final 69 runs would not be simple.

“This is what Test cricket is all about. South Africa will be sitting in their dressing room contemplating whether they might have ended this match sooner if they had taken those two wickets early in the first session of Day 3 or if they hadn’t bowled as many no-balls. We’re back on Day 4 of the Test cricket rollercoaster, though, and even if 69 runs might seem simple, Australia won’t give up easily,” Dale Steyn stated on JioHotstar Cricket Live.

“South Africa will never have to earn as many runs as these 69. Over the past three days, this test has been amazing. On Day 3, the wicket undoubtedly flattened and slowed down. Even when Hazlewood and Starc were batting, you could see that they made it appear simple by finding ones and twos and rotating strikes,” Dale Steyn continued.

Aiden performed just what was required, Temba: Dale Steyn

Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram’s partnership, which cost Australia the game, was hailed by the great fast bowler. Day 3 was, in his opinion, the best day to bat over the entire Test match since there was a lot of scoring in the V, something that wasn’t seen in the other two days.

“When the bowlers made mistakes, whether it was short or over-pitched deliveries, Temba and Aiden did just what was required; they applied pressure. We witnessed steady scoring down the ground for the first time in this Test, which was very difficult on Days 1 and 2 because of mobility and edge threats. Making hay while the sun was out was the main goal of Day 3, and the hitters succeeded in doing just that,” Steyn said.