As South Africa captain Temba Bavuma made his way for the post-match interview after defeating Australia in the World Test Championship final on Saturday, the loudest cheer of the crowd was reserved for him. Bavuma, however, wore an expression of calm, as he detailed on what breaking this long-time jinx means for him and the Rainbow nation.
“It has been a special couple of days, felt like we were back home in South Africa with the support we have had. Special moment for us as a team, special moment back home, will take a couple of days to sink in. The energy was there, we have been wanting this as a team, we have been knocking on the door, we have gone through the heartache, the disappointments, seen it with the past players and the sun is on us. Hopefully this is one of many,” Bavuma said.
The South African captain also singled out pacer Kagiso Rabada and Man of the Match Aiden Markram for praise.
“KG is a massive player, in a couple of years he will be in the ICC Hall of Fame. He was under controversy but he did what he does. Markram was unbelievable, stats are important but character is what we look at and Aiden has that. Another massive player for us,” the 35-year-old said.
South Africa won the World Test Championship against titleholder Australia by five wickets after knocking off the last 69 runs required on the fourth morning of the final.
The Proteas achieved their first major cricket title in 27 years, sparking celebrations at Lord’s.
They moved from a portentous 213-2 overnight to 282-5, the second-highest successful run chase in the 141-year test history at the home of cricket.
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Australia didn’t give up the WTC mace easily, relentlessly attacking the stumps and pressuring a South Africa side with an infamous history of blowing winning positions on big ICC stages.