New Delhi: South Africa are seeking inspiration from their triumph 13 years ago to beat Australian in the ICC World Test Championship final, which begins on Wednesday at Lord’s.
It is in the same venue that South Africa led by Gaeme Smith defeated England to rise to the to spot in the Test rankings. That memorable Proteas team had the likes of legendary Jacques Kallis and Dale Steyn and Keshav Maharaj wants to provide the spark for the current team to emulate that glory.
“I remember watching that when they lifted the mace. We know that apart from doing it for us, we want to honour the legends of the past and hopefully we will one day be seen in the same calibre and light to win such a coveted title and hold the Test mace,” he said.
South Africa have entered the final after seven successive Test match wins, having last got beaten in Februry 2024 to New Zealand. They approach the final being on top of the World Test Championship table and filled them with confidence to take on Australia.
“When we started the journey two years ago, a lot of people didn’t think we’d be in this situation, but with each and every series we grew more and more,” Maharaj added.
“Our blend of youth and experience complements each other really nicely, and we find ourselves competing for another trophy. The boys have put in a lot of hard work. The excitement is building as we edge closer and it’s now about letting it sink in and soaking up the occasion to allow us to play with freedom.”
South Africa have had a history of choking in major matches with spinner Maharaj being a member of the side that finished runners-up at the 2024 T20 World Cup while they were also beaten in the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
“In previous attempts, no one expected us to reach the knockout phases of any competition, but we have reached two semi-finals and two finals,” he said.
“Hopefully through all those misses we come right in this one. There is a lot of inspiration we can draw from in the brand of cricket we have played in the last three or four years.
“If we run with it and stay true to it, hopefully this is our opportunity to finally raise that most-coveted trophy that has eluded us for a number of years,” he said.
As he is only two away from 200 Test wickets, Maharaj will have added motivation in the match though he preferred to have team success above individual landmarks.
South Africa take on Australia in the final of the ICC World Test Championship, which begins on Wednesday at Lord’s. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
