27-Year Wait Is Over, as Proteas Pen a New Chapter in Their Cricket History

JOHANNESBURG: After 9722 days, the wait is over. The Proteas Men have secured the ICC World Test Championship at Lord’s on Saturday, as they defeated Australia by five wickets, on day four of the Final.

It ended a 27-year wait for ICC success, as this was the first senior Men’s trophy since the 1998 ICC Knockout victory.

In many ways, the victory by captain Temba 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.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki led the congratulations for the team, paying tribute to the team’s character and all those who have supported them on the journey.

“I can’t think of a team more deserving of this WTC Mace. This team has displayed remarkable tenacity and strength over the past two years,” Moseki noted.

“This occasion holds immense significance in the world of sport and cricket. It is a tribute not only to the current squad, but also to those who paved the way before them.”

Moseki also pointed out that this victory belonged to the team, legends, the people of South Africa and all those inspired to take up the game by this remarkable victory.

When Kyle Verreynne struck the winning runs, it sparked wild celebrations for the team and their strong showing of support at Lord’s. A hallmark of all four days has been the distinctly South African flavour around the ground, with songs, flags and national jerseys prominent in the stands.

The team has also been overwhelmed by constant messages of encouragement from back home, especially during a match where the momentum swung wildly over the first two days.

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.

The Proteas were then bowled out for 138, with David Bedingham (45) and Bavuma (36) making key contributions in tough batting conditions.

That left the Proteas with a deficit of 74 runs, on a difficult pitch.

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.

Man of the match Aiden Markram struck a majestic 136, marking his eighth Test century, and his fourth against Australia.

His six-and-a-half-hour marathon was the cornerstone of the success, and he was ably supported by Bavuma, who scored 66 from 134 balls. What made the captain’s knock even more impressive was that he was hampered by a hamstring strain for most of his stay at the crease.

He and Markram put together a priceless stand of 147 in just over three hours, 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 unbelievable display of support away from home could not be denied a day to remember at the Home of Cricket.

CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance Enoch Nkwe commended the team for their unwavering commitment.

“This moment is a reminder that no dream is too distant, no challenge insurmountable and no legacy too heavy to carry forward,” Nkwe saluted.

“I commend the unwavering commitment demonstrated by each player, both on and off the field. Reaching this milestone, coupled with remarkable key performances, will undoubtedly be etched into the history books,” Nkwe added.

Indeed, it is an eighth consecutive Test victory for Bavuma and his team, notched on four different continents. It is a testament to their adaptability and character, and collective talents that have found a solution for every question thrown at them over the past two years of the WTC cycle.

That adaptability is emphasised by a look at each of the men in the squad for the WTC final. Every one of them had a telling contribution on the road to glory, each man earning their winning medal.

While breaking the ICC drought is justifiable cause for celebration, this team is determined to ensure that the road doesn’t end with this final. Indeed, much like London buses, they are keen to ensure that after the long wait for an ICC trophy, two arrive in quick succession.

The ICC ODI World Cup, to be hosted in South Africa, is now less than two years away. Many of the men who did duty on the road to Test glory also form the foundation of coach Shukri Conrad’s white-ball plans.

For now, however, the squad will celebrate this breakthrough moment and then return home to South Africa on Wednesday at 09:25 SAST.

“The next time we see Shukri and his team, we will welcome them as the ICC World Test Champions!” Nkwe declared.

Before that welcome, the team may well have to pass through O.R Tambo International Airport customs, so that they can declare a rather significant piece of international history that they are bringing back into the country.

Source: cricket.co.za

Babar Azam – Born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Babar is one of the current stars of Pakistan cricket. He is known for his elegant batting and has already scored over 7,000 runs in ODIs. Babar has been the captain of the national team and is regarded as one of the best batsmen in the world.