Player of the Match Markram reflects on emotional hundred, team’s mental resilience, and South Africa’s first ICC trophy in 26 years
London [UK], June 15:
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s batting star, believes their ICC World Test Championship Final victory over Australia at Lord’s will finally lay to rest the long-standing ‘chokers’ tag associated with South African cricket. His match-defining 136-run innings, which earned him the Player of the Match, brought the Proteas within touching distance of their first major ICC trophy since 1998—a moment that Markram described as both emotional and transformative.
“This is as big and tough as it gets. All the questions that have been asked in the past have fortunately now been answered,” said Markram. “It would be great to not hear it (chokers) again, that’s for sure. To get rid of that tag is a big thing for this team.”
Markram, who was dismissed just six runs shy of victory, played a central role in South Africa’s second-highest successful Test chase at Lord’s, building a pivotal 147-run partnership with captain Temba Bavuma. His innings has already been hailed as one of the greatest in South African cricket history.
“A Miracle Moment, Years in the Making”
Markram, 30, admitted he was driven by memories of past disappointments—especially last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final loss, where he was captain and felt “helpless” after his dismissal. “That gave me motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease. It was all about getting the job done,” he reflected.
Reaching his century late on Day 3 did little to calm his nerves, with 69 more runs needed. “I slept horribly. I couldn’t switch off. The adrenaline hit after the hundred,” Markram said, recalling how emotion overtook him after reaching three figures.
“The game slowed down, I looked around—fans, family, teammates—and it just hit me. Tears leaked out, which I was trying to fight. This was big.”
Bavuma’s Leadership and Grit Praised
Markram heaped praise on Temba Bavuma, who battled through a visible hamstring injury to anchor the chase. “To see his hammy go was worrying… but at tea, he said he could keep going. He showed a lot of adrenaline, a lot of leadership and character,” said Markram.
Their third-wicket stand equalled the second-highest successful fourth-innings partnership at Lord’s and symbolised South Africa’s newfound resilience.
A Beer, A Lap of Honour, and a Sleepless Night
After the historic win, Markram was seen sharing a celebratory beer handed to him by a school friend in the crowd, during a lap of honour at the Home of Cricket. The moment underlined the personal and collective significance of the victory.
“I’m not here to chase numbers and stats. I just really want to win stuff for South Africa,” he said. “Test cricket has always been my favourite format and the most important.”
Markram also used the platform to make a passionate plea for the next generation of cricketers to prioritise Test cricket. “It’s really important to keep Test cricket as the number one in South Africa. The number one priority should always be to play Test cricket. I’ve always believed that.”
A New Chapter for South Africa
The triumph has not only brought an end to a decades-long ICC trophy drought for South Africa, but it also marks a cultural shift—a team reclaiming its identity through grit, unity, and belief. For Markram and his teammates, this was more than a win. It was a statement to the world, and a closure to years of painful near-misses.