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"Chokers" sledge from Aussies as Proteas end hoodoo
SEN • June 15th, 2025 9:38 am
South Africa were subjected to “chokers” sledges on their way to becoming World Test Championship winners according to their captain Temba Bavuma.
His side defeated Australia at Lord’s by five wickets on the fourth day of play. A century from Aiden Markram helping hem end a 27-year wait for silverware.
It was a long time coming for South African who have lost in nine ICC semi-finals, and t seems they were reminded of that record throughout the final day of play.
“The tag of us being chokers, that came about this morning,” Bavuma said after the match.
“One of their players threw out the fact we could still get bowled out ... I definitely heard that.
“Whilst we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word, ‘choke’.
“It’s been years since we’ve overcome a final, we’ve been etched in history, we’re part of something that has never been done. It’s special in a lot of ways.”
South Africa went into day four needing just 69 runs to secure victory and while Bavuma was an early casualty, victory was never really in doubt.
As for Australia, questions will be asked of the selection decision made.
Are Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja the right opening partnership? Should Sam Konstas have played? Is Cam Green right at no 3?
Besides Steve Smith (66) none of Australia’s specialist batsmen scored over 50 which will sound alarm bells within the leadership group.
Captain Pat Cummins conceded there was plenty to consider.
“We’ve got a couple of weeks before the first Test in the Windies, so we’ll sit down and have a bit of a think,” said Cummins.
“To make these finals, it’s normally off the back of being really strong at home, but you’ve got to win some away series too,” he later told reporters at a post-match press conference.
“So, in some ways, it’s good we get to dust ourselves off and turn around in a couple of weeks and start looking ahead to the next one.
“That’s one of the good things about the World Test Championship, every Test series and every Test match feels like you’re playing for something significant.”
