South Africa has definitively shed their long-standing “chokers” tag, securing their first-ever world title by winning the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Captain Temba Bavuma and centurion Aiden Markram played pivotal roles in a composed fourth-day chase, despite attempts from the Australian team to unsettle them.

Resuming on Day 4 needing 69 runs for victory, the tension was palpable as Australian players verbally reminded the South Africans that the job was not yet done. Bavuma notably edged Pat Cummins behind with 65 runs still required, and Tristan Stubbs survived a close call when Mitchell Starc’s delivery trimmed his bail with 41 runs left.

However, Markram ultimately steered South Africa to within touching distance of the target with an “innings for the ages.” Bavuma noted a shift in the Australian team’s on-field demeanor compared to previous encounters, referencing the fiery 2018 series. While they were less vocal, their aggression was conveyed through body language and skill.

Bavuma recounted a specific instance of the “chokers” tag being invoked: “Of course, the tag of us being chokers, that came about this morning. One of their players threw out the fact that we could lose our eight wickets in less than 60 runs. I definitely heard that.” He added that Markram’s constant refrain was “lock in,” urging the team to “give them nothing.”

Australia prolonged the game as much as possible, managing to take the second new ball, but by then, only 14 runs were needed. Markram emphatically dispatched the first delivery of the new ball through midwicket, effectively sealing the victory. Cummins admitted their strategy was to “draw it out as long as we can,” hoping for external factors like cloud cover or the new ball to create an opening.

Markram, visibly emotional upon reaching his century on Day 3 and reflecting on past disappointments like the T20 World Cup, expressed his hope that the historical narrative of South African “choking” is now permanently laid to rest. “It would be great to not have to hear it again, that’s for sure,” he stated, adding that while external motivation exists, it’s not the sole purpose. “To have got the job done and to literally have got the job done and to get rid of that is quite a big thing for this team.”

Pat Cummins was gracious in his assessment of Markram’s performance and South Africa’s victory, particularly given the debates surrounding their qualification route. “A few of us have played alongside him as well in IPL and [he’s] very well respected,” Cummins said of Markram. “He’s a good man, Aidan. Unfortunately for us, he kind of made it look pretty easy out there and just built a big innings. We threw a fair bit at him, but [he] had an answer for everything.” Cummins concluded by affirming, “Everyone has a slightly different route to make the final, but they absolutely deserved to make the final and showed why I think they’re very deserving champions.”

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