After ages, it was heartening to see SA lift an ICC trophy and winning the WTC 2025 was just the icing on the cake. More significantly, it was Test cricket at its ultimate glory.
Ever since SA’s return to international cricket in 1992, I have been a big admirer of their brand of cricket and the talent they have produced in the last 50 years. We have seen some absolute legends like Allan Donald and Jacques Kallis, maverick players like Hanse Cronje and Jonty Rhodes and modern greats like AB DeVillers. But they have been underdogs for a very long time now, even underrated more often than I remember. Despite abundance of talent, superlative performances and some initiate encounters, the winner’s pedestal has eluded them for more than a generation now. Well, now, that’s history as Bavuma’s men overpower the indomitable Aussies to clinch the WTC in style.
The more I talk about Markram and team, and I realise that what a player he is and what an innings it was! It was an innings of absolute grit and class, and no better place to achieve this great milestone in his career – At the Lords, in the WTC finals! Can’t ask for more. He was always talented but to be honest, I was always sceptical about his capabilities when it came to Test Cricket as I was scared that another spectacular talent would be lost in the glamour of T20 Cricket. I am glad, he has proved me wrong.
We need such strong, inspiring performances in Test Cricket – not just for the glory but for the love of the game.
Markram, Bavuma and South Africa – Thank you and well played.
@Lifeoholic 