Temba Bavuma Fires Back at Australia Over ‘Chokers’ Jibe in Historic WTC Final Triumph
In a fiery press conference following South Africa’s sensational victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, captain Temba Bavuma didn’t hold back in criticizing the Australian team, led by Pat Cummins, for their use of the derogatory term ‘chokers’ during the match. This win marked a historic milestone for the Proteas, who clinched their maiden WTC title in a thrilling encounter, silencing critics and unifying a nation.
“While we were out there battling in our second innings, we could clearly hear some of the Australian players throwing around that dreaded word—choke,” Bavuma revealed to reporters, his tone reflecting both frustration and defiance. “We came into this final with immense belief, despite the doubters who questioned our journey here. This victory is our answer. It’s a chance for us as a divided nation to come together and celebrate something truly special.”
Bavuma, the first Black African specialist batsman to represent South Africa in Test cricket, emphasized the broader significance of this triumph. He expressed hope that lifting the coveted Test Mace—awarded to the best Test-playing nation—would elevate the status of Test cricket back home, where the format has struggled for attention. Notably, South Africa has no Test matches scheduled for their 2025–26 home season, a concerning statistic for fans of the longest format. “We are hungry to play more Test cricket, especially against the top teams,” Bavuma stated. “This win makes us a more attractive proposition on the global stage, not just for us but for the so-called smaller nations as well.”
Drawing inspiration from South Africa’s rugby giants, the Springboks, who have claimed four Rugby World Cup titles, including the last two in 2019 and 2023, Bavuma reflected on the power of sport to unite. “I’ve watched how the rugby team has embraced what it means to be South African,” he said. “Our history shapes who we are today, and their success has captured hearts across the nation. We’ve discussed this as a team—how we can do something equally meaningful through cricket.”
The Proteas’ victory at Lord’s wasn’t just about overcoming Australia; it was about rewriting narratives. Historically, South Africa has faced the ‘chokers’ label in crucial matches across formats, most memorably during the 1999 ODI World Cup semi-final heartbreak. Under Bavuma’s leadership, however, the team displayed grit and composure, chasing down a challenging target of 287 on the final day, with key contributions from Dean Elgar (85) and Kagiso Rabada’s match-defining bowling spell of 5 for 62. This win, Bavuma believes, is a stepping stone to long-term success akin to the golden era under Graeme Smith, whose team dominated Test cricket between 2013 and 2015, holding the Test Mace for three consecutive years before the WTC format was introduced.
“As a group, we’ve set a goal to measure ourselves after three or four years,” Bavuma explained. “We want to emulate what Graeme and his team achieved—consistent excellence. This is just the beginning for us.”
As South Africa basks in the glory of their WTC triumph, Bavuma’s words resonate beyond the boundary ropes. This victory isn’t just a sporting achievement; it’s a beacon of hope for a nation yearning for unity. With the captain’s vision to revive Test cricket and inspire a new generation, the Proteas are poised to build a legacy that could redefine South African cricket for years to come.