Today South Africa expected to buck trend, snub fairytale-spoilers Australia

Temba Bavuma has grown from a shrewd captain to a statesman, all he needs to be hailed as true leader of South Africa is a Cup - the WTC mace beckons.

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For once, Australia might not be able to stop a charming fairy tale from unfolding. This one is about a diminutive black cricketer from the township helping South Africa take a giant leap in the post-apartheid era.

At Lord’s on Saturday, the team with a history of spoiling many parties and pouring water on planned victory parades could well be dealing with the trauma they regularly inflict on their rivals. On Day 3 of the World Test Championship final, South Africa will be on the cusp of a famous win and the Aussies are very likely to end up as the world’s most popular runners-up ever.