The South African Men’s test team beat Australia by five wickets on day four of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s on Saturday, to become test champions of the world.
The drought is finally over
It took 27 years and 9722 days, but the wait is over. Temba Bavuma’s team became the first senior men’s team to lift a trophy at a major ICC event since the win in the 1998 ICC Knockout tournament in Bangladesh.
In many ways, the victory by captain Bavuma was not just for this generation, but for all those who have played their part in the Proteas jersey. Various former players were present at Lord’s and shared in the delight of seeing their team on top of the world.
Bavuma – the win was special
Speaking at the post match press conference, the diminutive Bavuma said that the win was special.
The word that comes to mind is special – for this group and the country. I am not a big rugby fan but I watch those guys and the biggest thing I admire is their success and how they have embraced what South Africa means. We are unique in a lot of ways, our present and future is shaped by our past, but the way they have gone about it to capture the hearts of everyone has really made us love them.
That is something we have spoken about, doing something special. It is a chance for us to rejoice in something, forget our issues and come together. For this group of players, there are a lot of doubters but the way we played wiped that out.
It was quite tense, even when we got it to 10 runs (needed) we knew anything can happen.
When he (Verreynne) scored the runs, I hid my head in my hands, just trying to embraceand acknowledge what we’ve just done. I thought of the experiences I’ve had in the last couple of years. It hasn’t been easy, it’s not easy being captain of South Africa. All the sacrifice, disappointment, at that moment it really feels worth it.
When you are going through it all, giving up is always an option in the back of your mind but something wills you on. For me, it’s that moment there. (I want) to be recognised as more than just a black African cricketer, and to be seen as someone who has done something the country has wanted. I will walk around with my chest out and hope it continues to inspire our country.
Exciting test match that swayed from one side to the other
Australia was bowled out for 212 in the first innings, after Bavuma had invited them to bat.
Kagiso Rabada’s five for 51 earned him the distinction of being on both the home and away dressing-room honours boards, joining Gordon Greenidge who achieved the feat after scoring a hundred for the MCC against the Rest of the World in 1987.
The Proteas were then bowled out for 138, with David Bedingham (45) and Bavuma (36) making key contributions in tough batting conditions, leaving them with a deficit of 74 runs.
Lungi Ngidi, back in the team after injury, broke the game wide open with an inspired spell on the second evening, as he helped himself to three for 38, including the prize scalp of Steve Smith.
Bowling spearhead Rabada (four for 59) then completed a magnificent personal performance with the ball, but Australia’s tail added crucial late runs to tally 207 in their second innings, leaving the Proteas a target of 282 to win.
Man of the match Aiden Markram struck a majestic 136, marking his eighth test century, and his fourth against Australia.
His innings was the cornerstone of the success, and he was ably supported by Bavuma, who scored 66 from 134 balls, batting with a hamstring strain for most of his stay at the crease.
The pair put together a match winning stand of 147, taking the Proteas to the brink of a new chapter of South African cricket history.
Both fell on the final morning, but the Proteas and an incredible display of support away from home could not be denied a day to remember at the home of cricket with Kyle Verreynne scoring the winning runs just before lunch to end South Africa’s wait for a global trophy.
Must have felt like a home game
It must have felt like a home game for the Proteas, with thousands of fans packing Lord’s and singing the players’ names as they lifted the ICC World Test Championship mace.
Bavuma and the rest of the team will be hoping the singing continues when they arrive in South Africa on Wednesday.
