South Africans welcome home Test champions

JOHANNESBURG: Several thousand supporters were at the main airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday to welcome home World Test Championship winners South Africa.

Temba Bavuma captained the Proteas to a five-wicket triumph over long-time rivals Australia at Lord’s last Saturday to end a 27-year major trophy drought. He and coach Shukri Conrad were the first to greet cheering supporters, with both holding the Mace they received for being crowned champions.

Each player then carried a bouquet of flowers while shaking hands with some supporters, hugging others and signing autographs. Opening batter Aiden Markram recovered from a first-innings duck to hit 136 in the second innings and pave the way for a victory in London with a day and a half to spare.

Paceman Kagiso Rabada took nine wickets in the final to be another key figure as South Africa triumphed for the first time since lifting the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy (now Champions Trophy).

Among those who greeted the team on a cool, sunny winter morning in the South African commercial capital were accountant Brian Gabela and receptionist Mandy Tshabalala. Gabela, 35, said: “I had to be here and welcome the boys home. They have suffered so many heartbreaks during the past two decades. Now we are champions of the world.

“I was pessimistic when we trailed by 74 runs after the first innings, but a magnificent second knock from Aiden Markram turned the tide.” Tshabalala, 37, travelled to the airport with her son, Monthati, and admitted she was also worried after Australia built a first-innings advantage.

“I have been supporting the Proteas since I was a child and it has been sad seeing them come so close so often without bringing home a trophy. “Apart from his studies, my high school son spends many hours each week keeping up to date with the Proteas. His favourite cricketer is Kagiso (Rabada).”

The triumphant team and coaches will hold a press conference at the Johannesburg headquarters of Cricket South Africa later on Wednesday. South Africa are next be in action on June 28 when they face northern neighbours Zimbabwe in the first of two Tests in Bulawayo.

Bavuma will lead the team, but Markram and Rabada are being rested. Among five uncapped players called up are Titans duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane.