TEAM SOUTH AFRICA ARE ICC TEST CHAMPIONS! THEY DESERVE IT!

• People closely following and associated with knowing what’s happening with international cricket would know how South Africa’s reentry into the cricketing mainstream was welcomed with open arms three decades back, expecting the talented bundle of men to showcase their wares through noteworthy performances. However, Team South Africa often flattered to deceive on several occasions, especially during International Cricket Council-sponsored events, failing to cross the final hurdles. So near yet so far became the defining aspect of the Springboks repeatedly failing in crossing the last obstacle along the way. The dubious term chokers was unceremoniously tagged onto the Springboks by the cricket pundits.

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• The embarrassment, humiliation, and swallowing of pride for 27 years has come to most welcome fruition with Team South Africa defeating the much-fancied Australia in the ICC Test Championship finals played at Lord’s by five wickets. The final was not only riveting for four days but also brought to the fore the distinct quality of the classical version, thanks to grit and patience, beautifully highlighting the contest between the bat and the ball. This is Test cricket of the highest caliber. For years, the Springboks have endured the unkindest of labels, like chokers in sport. It means you have the talent, but not the temperament to win, especially when it matters most. It means your defeats are caused as much by your opponents as by the demons in your head.

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• Mind you, it is a terrible cross to bear, and post-apartheid South Africa carried it in cricket for nearly three decades. Thankfully, the term stands buried now. In the Lord’s finals, South Africa rewrote the script. They were up against an opponent that relishes the big stage and seldom concedes an inch. This time, the Captain Temba Bavuma and his men didn’t need any. In a high-pressure encounter, where every delivery was fiercely contested, South Africa played the game, ignored the occasion. Opener Aiden Markram’s 136 in the second innings while chasing the target will rank among the greatest Test innings of all time. Paceman Kagiso Rabada (5/51 and 4/59) was the knife that cut through Australia in a superb exhibition of pace bowling. Others supported too.

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• But it was injured captain Bavuma’s gritty 66 that was inspirational, typifying the new, determined South Africa becoming deservedly the champions. Hopefully, the triumph will also act as a unifier in a country increasingly torn apart by differences within. The triumph also showcased the team bowling with fire, batting with patience, and the emulation worthy discipline. It’s worth reiterating that cricket is a team game where every player is expected to contribute significantly to the winning cause. South Africa delivered on this front spectacularly. They never gave up. They believed it. Of course, perseverance in honing skills never goes to waste. This was amply evident how South Africa went about cornering the Aussies with aplomb. Job well done, Springboks!