Aiden Markram’s Test career has seen highs and lows, including two times when he was dropped from South Africa’s lineup. The initial expectations were sky-high after he scored three centuries and two scores in the 90s within his first six months in Test cricket. But when his form dipped, critics quickly dismissed him as a fleeting talent.

However, a fresh opportunity came in 2023 under new coach Shukri Conrad, and Markram made a strong return with a century against the West Indies and another against India in Cape Town. Yet, another slump followed — 16 innings without a hundred — including a duck against Mitchell Starc on the first day of the World Test Championship final at Lord’s.

But on Friday, faced with a challenging target of 282, Markram rose to the occasion. On a sluggish pitch, he anchored the innings with an unbeaten 102, forging a vital unbroken 143-run partnership with skipper Temba Bavuma, who battled through a hamstring injury to score 65. Their stand has brought South Africa within 69 runs of a historic win.

Australia leads South Africa by 218 runs after wickets tumble again on Day 2 of WTC final

Markram was emotional after reaching his eighth Test century near the close of play but kept his celebration low-key, knowing the job was not finished yet.

“He's definitely a big-match player,” said batting coach Ashwell Prince. “Technically, the adjustments were minor — he had been pushing his hands away from his body a bit too much. Once he reviewed some footage, he corrected it quickly. That hundred against India at Newlands last year — on a tough pitch — showed what he’s capable of.”

Even after his duck in the first innings, Markram retained belief in his form, drawing confidence from five fifties in 13 IPL innings earlier this year. While it's a different format, the performances helped his mindset going into the final.

Wickets galore on Day 1 of the WTC final between South Africa and Australia

Markram is now in contention for player of the final, not just for his batting. He also chipped in with the ball, taking key wickets, including Steve Smith in the first innings and Josh Hazlewood in the second — ending Australia’s resistance. Minutes later, he returned to open the chase and now stands on the brink of sealing South Africa’s triumph over the reigning champions.