Thousands of jubilant supporters gathered at Johannesburg’s main airport on Wednesday to greet South Africa’s cricket team after their historic World Test Championship victory.
Under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas secured a thrilling five-wicket win over their long-standing rivals Australia at Lord’s last Saturday, ending a 27-year wait for a major international trophy.
Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad were the first to appear, proudly holding the Championship Mace awarded to them as world champions. Each player carried a bouquet as they mingled with enthusiastic fans, shaking hands, sharing hugs, and signing autographs.
Opening batsman Aiden Markram recovered from a first-innings duck to score a commanding 136 in the second innings, paving the way for victory with more than a day to spare. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada also played a crucial role, taking nine wickets throughout the final, helping South Africa claim their first major title since winning the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy.
Among the crowd welcoming the team on the crisp, sunny winter morning were accountant Brian Gabela and receptionist Mandy Tshabalala.
Gabela, 35, said, “I had to be here to welcome the boys home. They have endured so many heartbreaks over the last two decades. Now, finally, we are world champions. I was worried when we trailed by 74 runs after the first innings, but Aiden Markram’s brilliant innings turned everything around.”
Tshabalala, 37, came to the airport with her son, Monthati, and admitted she had felt anxious when Australia took the initial lead.
“I’ve supported the Proteas since I was a child, and it’s been painful to see them come so close without winning a trophy,” she said. “My son spends many hours each week following the team, despite his schoolwork. His favourite player is Kagiso Rabada.”
Later on Wednesday, the victorious team and coaching staff are scheduled to hold a press conference at Cricket South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg.
Looking ahead, South Africa will face their northern neighbours, Zimbabwe, in the first of two Test matches, starting on June 28 in Bulawayo.
While Bavuma will continue as captain, key players Markram and Rabada are being rested. The squad includes five uncapped players, notably Titans duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane.
Pretorius, 19, impressed in a recent domestic four-day competition by scoring three centuries in five matches and maintaining an average of 72.66. Senokwane also performed well, accumulating 559 runs, including two centuries.
Both players recently made their debuts for South Africa A in matches against West Indies A.
Following the Test series, the Proteas will compete against Zimbabwe and New Zealand in a seven-match Twenty20 tournament in Harare.
Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf
