India, June 14 -- Australians are as tough as it gets on the field. The easiest way to earn their respect is by performing against them. Ask Aiden Markram. The South African opener, who was out for a duck in the first over of Mitchell Starc in the first innings of the WTC final, was congratulated by almost every Australian player after his superlative century in the second innings. The fact that Makram's century could possibly mean Australia would not be able to win back-to-back WTC titles did not deter captain Pat Cummins, batters Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and wicketkeeper Alex Carey from doffing their hats to him.

At the close of play on Day 3 at Lord's, the Australian cricketers, led by Cummins, walked one by one towards Markram and ...