South Africa’s World Test Championship victory is an adieu to their chokers tag

By K.R. Nayar 

South Africa’s triumph over reigning champions Australia to win the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s is a fitting farewell to the ‘chokers’ tag that has haunted them for decades. To win by five wickets after being bowled out for just 138 in the first innings is a mark of true resilience. This comeback victory defines them as a brave team with a mentality built to conquer.

 

South African skipper Temba Bavuma receives the World Test Championship trophy from Jay Shah, Chairman of the ICC

This title is a perfect antidote to their cricketing history littered with heartbreaks and near misses. By winning the championship in the game’s ultimate format, they have silenced anyone who might want to call them chokers again.

 

To permanently retire that label, they went about their task with vengeance. They toiled in grueling conditions that were alien to them and overcame the best teams in the world—not to be ridiculed anymore, but to be respected as creators of cricket history.

 

Aiden Markram with the Player of the final award

As a reporter, I’ve chronicled many of their collapses from the verge of victory—shockingly faltering at the end despite being favourites. On paper, they were often the best, filled with players ranked among the world’s elite, yet they cracked on the big day.

 

Aiden Markram, who scored a valiant 136 in the second innings against all odds, will now be remembered as the man who lifted the shame that burdened his illustrious predecessors. I feel a special connection with Markram having witnessed the beginning of his journey when I had reported the Under -19 World Cup in Dubai in 2014. As South Africa’s under-19 captain, he had lifted the ICC U19 World Cup at the Dubai International Stadium—a title his seniors never managed. His parents had come to watch the final after he had scored two centuries and a 66 in that tournament, earning him the Player of the Series award as well. Little did they know then that their son would one day become the Player of the Final in the World Test Championship, lifting his country to cricket’s ultimate crown.

 

Skipper Temba Bavuma will forever be remembered as the man who led this mission, bravely scoring 66 runs against an Australian attack considered among the best in the world today. The depth of his determination is evident—since taking over as Test captain in early 2023, he has remained unbeaten in this format, winning nine and drawing one.

 

South Africa’s victory also serves a message that cricket rewards those who persevere with passion and purpose. This win ended their 27-year drought for an ICC title. Their last one was in the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, where they had defeated the West Indies by four wickets. On that day, Jacques Kallis starred with five wickets for 30 runs, and the late Hansie Cronje had lifted the trophy.

 

Late Hansie Cronje lifts the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy 

Every South African captain, since then, has failed to repeat that feat, and every team carried the emotional burden of the ‘chokers’ tag. But Bavuma and his team have finally exorcised those ghosts. To do it in Test cricket—the toughest format, where success demands not only skill but also strategy, temperament, and endurance—is extraordinary. They could not have won this title without the ability to absorb pressure, session after session, over five long days, and to shine in swinging conditions, on spinning tracks, and on bouncy wickets.

 

In the Test Championship final win, Kagiso Rabada supported by Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj, produced a disciplined and aggressive performance to restrict Australia’s lead and dismiss them cheaply in the second innings. Lungi Ngidi bowled well too. Makram sparkled with the ball as well taking the wickets of Steve Smith in the first innings and that of Josh Hazlewood to end the stubborn 59 runs last wicket partnership in the second innings.

 

Australia had the match in their grip after bowling out South Africa for 138. Australia’s Pat Cummins was lethal with a six wicket spell and Mitchel Starc sparked with the ball and bat through an unbeaten 58 that swelled the target.

 

South Africa handled the pressure phases better and capitalised on every opportunity- traits which are a must to win Test matches.  So dare to call them chokers ever again—after winning the global title in cricket’s most demanding format.