South Africa are now on the cusp of history and of shattering the stigma of being called 'chokers' as they are just 69 runs away from clinching the ICC World Test Championship mace and a whopping $3.6 million.

Chasing a target of 282 in the fourth innings at Lord's, South Africa are in a strong position, with their top-order batter Aiden Markram (102 not out) and captain Temba Bavuma (65 not out) unbeaten while sharing a crucial 143-run partnership.

The duo defied every effort initiated by Australia's renowned bowling attack - comprising captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc - and kept cruising. After the early blows in the form of dismissals of Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, both effected by Starc, South Africa bounced back, thanks to Markram and Bavuma's courageous knocks, to put themselves in firm control of the match.

But this would not have been possible without sheer grit. When cynicism around South Africa's prospects in any ICC knockout game is common - largely due to their heartbreaking history of blowing winning positions - Markram and Bavuma batted with resilience and grit to raise hopes of a historic win.

However, Bavuma had almost not returned to the field for the potentially match-defining final session on Day 3, and that could have proved fatal for the Proteas.

The 35-year-old diminutive batter had initially contemplated retiring hurt due to a hamstring injury he suffered while sprinting for a quick single early in his innings. He required medical attention before and during the tea interval, causing concern in the dressing room. It left the Proteas facing a crucial decision.

"At tea time, we had to make a big call whether he continues to bat," South Africa assistant coach Ashwell Prince said after play. They needed to consider several crucial factors before making a call. "How it will affect his stroke play, how that might affect Aiden's rhythm, if twos are being turned into ones and they can't run the twos or the threes," added Prince, a former Proteas batter.

But Bavuma braved the pain and decided to continue, to make sure Markram's tempo was not broken.

"Both of them were adamant that Temba has got to continue. He (Bavuma) wanted to continue. Aiden was adamant that the partnership is the key. Aiden was well aware that he would have to curb his intensity just in terms of running between the wickets to allow Temba to ease his way through it," added Prince.

Spectators at Lord's were enthralled by Markram and Bavuma's defiant knocks that raised hopes for a rollicking win, potentially shattering the stereotype associated with South Africa.

While Markram batted with grit and punished the loose balls, hitting 11 boundaries, Bavuma provided solid support, hitting five boundaries and maintaining sharp running between the wickets despite his injury.

As they raised their level and made the Aussies look ordinary, long-suffering South African fans were chanting and dancing in the stands at the home of cricket. "Oh, Temba Bavuma," the crowd sang.

The noise will only get louder if Bavuma lifts the World Test Championship mace on Saturday. He is poised to become the man to lead the Proteas to a drought-breaking world cricket title at Lord's.

South Africa will resume their innings at 213 for 2 on Day 4 (Saturday), with defending champions Australia desperately searching for ideas to retain their crown.

South Africa's one and only ICC title came back in 1998, when they lifted the Champions Trophy, then known as the ICC KnockOut.

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