Bavuma, Markram heroes of Proteas' thrilling victory

South Africa’s 58-year-old head coach Shukri Conrad played just nine first-class games in 1987-90.

- V V SUBRAHMANYAM

The 35-year-old captain Temba Bavuma has never been on the radar when the critics reeled out some of the big names of contemporary cricket despite playing 63 Tests.

Yes, opener Aiden Markram scored arguably his greatest Test hundred (137) at Lord's to guide South Africa to a historic win against Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's on Saturday, defying odds and rewriting history.

But none can take the credit away from Bavuma, who achieved what was a dream for many of his illustrious predecessors. He led from the front with scores of 36 and 66 and no doubt played in inspiring his teammates to come up with a complete team effort under enormous pressure.