"Aussie mentality" - Fans react as Mitchell Starc hits a gutsy fifty in SA vs AUS WTC 2025 final

Australia all-rounder Mitchell Starc starred with the bat on Day 3 of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa at Lord's in London on Friday, June 13. The left-hander emerged as the highest run-getter for the Aussies in the second innings. He scored an unbeaten 58 runs off 136 deliveries with the help of five boundaries. During his knock, the southpaw stitched together a run-partnership with Josh Hazlewood for the 10th wicket.

This was his 11th fifty in Test cricket and the first innings where he scored 40+ since the WTC 2023 final against India.

Fans on X lauded Mitchell Starc for his exploits with the bat. One user wrote:

"Mitchell Starc showing his Aussie mentality."

Another user commented:

"Mitchell Starc, bloody hell! Unreal grit and determination from him this time with the bat in hand. How good he is under pressure when his team needs him. We always talk about technique and class, but it’s toughness that will always be the most important weapon of a sportsman."

A third user added:

"Mitchell Starc becomes the highest run scorer for Australia in this innings. Remember the name Mitch-Hell-Starc."

Here are a few more reactions:

Mitchell Starc's defiant knock helps Australia set a 282-run target for SA in the WTC 2025 final

Mitchell Starc top-scored as Australia put up 207 in their second innings to set up a 282-run target for South Africa in the WTC 2025 final. Alex Carey was equally brilliant for his 43 off 50 deliveries, comprising five boundaries. Kagiso Rabada bagged four wickets, while Lungi Ngidi scalped three for the Proteas.

Invited to bat first, the Aussies put up 186/9 in their first innings. The top order faltered, but Steve Smith and Beau Webster produced fighting knocks of 66 (112) and 72 (92), respectively. The duo shared a 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball for the Proteas, returning with a fifer. Meanwhile, Marco Jansen bagged three wickets.

In response, SA were bundled out for 138 in their first innings, handing a 74-run lead to Australia. Like the Aussies, the Proteas top order also flopped miserably, but skipper Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham showed intent, scoring 36 (84) and 45 (111), respectively. Skipper Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers, returning with amazing figures of 6/28, the best ever figures by a captain at Lord’s. Mitchell Starc also bagged two wickets.

Follow the SA vs AUS WTC 2025 final live score and updates here.