Markram, Bavuma shine as South Africa clinch historic WTC title; Graeme Smith leads tributes

Former South Africa captain and newly inducted ICC Hall of Famer, Graeme Smith led the tributes for the Proteas side on lifting their first ICC men's trophy in 27 years, and lauded the fight and character shown by the team, particularly skipper Temba Bavuma and centurion Aiden Markram for helping the side beat Australia by five wickets in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's.

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Speaking on ICC Digital Daily, Smith summed up the significance of the moment: "Temba holding the mace and what that will mean for the people back home - I think this will really lift the game again in South Africa." Needing another 69 when play resumed on the penultimate day, South Africa resumed their chase at 213/2, with Markram leading the charge while Bavuma fell after the addition of another run to his overnight score of 66, thus ending the match-winning 144-run third wicket stand between the duo. The Proteas also lost Tristan Stubbs (8) in the first session before Markram and David Bedingham (21 not out) almost put them over the line with five sessions to spare.