JOHANNESBURG – In scenes rarely witnessed in modern cricket, thousands of emotional fans packed into OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning to greet South Africa’s national cricket team, the newly crowned World Test Champions, following their unforgettable win over Australia at Lord’s.

With captain Temba Bavuma and head coach Shukri Conrad leading the way, the team proudly carried the ICC World Test Championship Mace, the sport’s ultimate symbol of Test supremacy. Their five-wicket victory over Australia on one of cricket’s most historic grounds ended a 27-year title drought and delivered South Africa’s first ICC trophy since 1998.

The scene at the airport resembled something more often seen in soccer or American football. Fans waved flags, blew horns, and chanted “Proteas!” as the players walked through the terminal, visibly moved. Each player was met like a rock star, posing for selfies, signing autographs, and receiving flowers from fans of all ages.

Later that afternoon, a national press conference was held at Cricket South Africa’s headquarters in Johannesburg. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, flanked by high-ranking political leaders, celebrated the team’s achievement in a manner both patriotic and humorous.

“This team is the pride of the nation,” McKenzie declared. “To those who question us, we say: Show us your Mace!” He lavished praise on Bavuma, calling him “the best captain we have ever had,” and emphasized the importance of the team’s diversity: “This squad represents every demographic in South Africa. That’s what we should be celebrating — not songs that spread hate.”

The Minister also teased significant financial rewards for the players, saying with a grin: “We’ve got so many winners, all these bonuses could bankrupt the country!” He added that President Cyril Ramaphosa had invited the team to a celebratory dinner, and joked that “the President must come with a big bonus!”

Bavuma, visibly proud, spoke about the emotional and physical challenges of the final. “I was worried at the time and went against the advice of Shukri and the batting coach,” he admitted, referencing a lingering injury. “But I knew it was a vital time in the game and wanted to lead from the front.”

Coach Shukri Conrad played down any behind-the-scenes magic, describing a team built on simplicity and trust: “We don’t talk a lot. As Ashwell Prince once told us, it’s not that deep. We focus on the basics — most of the team tunes out if we talk longer than three minutes.”

South Africa’s landmark win was anchored by Aiden Markram’s heroic 136 in the second innings — an incredible bounce back after getting out first ball in the first innings — and Kagiso Rabada’s nine-wicket performance, which decimated the Australian batting line-up. The combination of cool heads, fearless batting, and elite bowling reminded the cricket world of South Africa’s formidable pedigree.


Tomorrow, the champions will continue their public celebrations at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton City, where fans will once again have the opportunity to meet the team and see the coveted World Test Championship Mace up close.
For South Africa, this isn’t just a win on the field. It’s a moment of national healing, pride, and joy. After years of near misses and heartbreak, the Proteas have delivered when it mattered most. With brave leadership, a unified team, and relentless belief, they’ve written a new chapter in the country’s sporting history.

South Africa are officially the World Test Champions. And the world is watching.









[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]