Temba Bavuma Criticizes Australia for Employing the ‘Dreaded Word’
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma has reacted strongly to the “chokers” label used by Australia during their World Test Championship final, which South Africa won at Lord’s on June 14, 2025. Bavuma expressed that the team’s victory against Australia not only silenced critics but also provided an opportunity for national unity. He emphasized the importance of this win for the future of Test cricket in South Africa, especially as no Test matches are scheduled for the upcoming home season. Bavuma hopes this achievement will elevate the profile of Test cricket in the nation.
### Bavuma’s Victory Speech
After lifting the winner’s trophy, Temba Bavuma shared his thoughts on the significance of the win. He mentioned that the team entered the final with a strong belief, despite facing skepticism about their journey to this point. Bavuma stated, “This win squashes that,” reflecting on the doubts surrounding their performance. He expressed hope that the victory would foster greater interest in Test cricket in South Africa, where the team aims to play more matches against larger cricketing nations. He underlined the need to enhance the attractiveness of the game, not only in South Africa but also for smaller cricketing nations.
### Inspiration from Rugby Success
Bavuma noted that the South African rugby team, the Springboks, has been a source of inspiration for the national cricket team. He highlighted their success, with four Rugby World Cups, as a model for embracing national identity. He stated, “This is special for this group, special for myself, for the country,” emphasizing the unique aspects of South African identity. Bavuma pointed out how the Springboks have captured the hearts of their nation, and he hopes that the cricket team can similarly resonate with the public. He expressed a desire for his team to achieve consistent success akin to the historic South African teams that once dominated Test cricket.
### Looking Ahead to Future Achievements
Bavuma revealed the team’s aspirations for the future, aiming to replicate the success of past South African Test sides, particularly those that held the Test mace from 2013 to 2015. He articulated a collective goal among his players to be evaluated on their performance over the next few years. Bavuma remarked, “We would like to judge ourselves after three or four years as a group,” highlighting their ambition to establish a legacy similar to that of former captain Graeme Smith’s team. The captain’s vision includes not only achieving victories but also enhancing the standards and reputation of Test cricket in South Africa.
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