You don’t go there to get personal accolades, you go there to win - Aiden Markram
ALL FOR THE TEAM Aiden Markram's refused to take credit despite his match-winning century as he and Temba Bavuma's gritty 66 powered South Africa to a historic World Test Championship victory over Australia at Lord’s. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
Though he scored a match-winning hundred, Aiden Markram was reluctant to take credit for his side’s victory in the World Test Championship (WTC) final over the weekend.
South Africa clinched the WTC final at Lord’s on Saturday, beating Australia by five wickets at the home of cricket.
Captain Temba Bavuma formed part of the match-winning partnership with Markram in the fourth innings, as the Proteas emerged emphatic winners.
Markram scored a sensational 136 and Bavuma made an invaluable 66 batting with an injured hamstring at the other end, as the pair shared a pivotal 147-run stand for the third wicket in pursuit of 282 for victory.
Markram Reflects on WTC Triumph: A Proud Moment for South African Cricket
“It’s huge [winning the WTC]. It is one of the coolest things I've certainly ever done in my life. We as a team are incredibly proud of it,” said Markram.
“To contribute obviously adds to that feeling of course, but ultimately it was about coming back as a winner, as a champion.
“That was always the focus, that was never going to change. The personal performance, like I said, helps, but that's not why we went there. You didn't go there to get man of the match, you go there to win the game of cricket for South Africa.”
When Bavuma went down injured early in his knock, Markram revealed what transpired between the pair of them when it was unclear if the skipper should continue.
Bavuma's Grit and Determination Shine Amid Injury Setback
“I actually didn't say anything to him to be honest. He just walked past and said, "I'm going to continue. Do you think that's fine?" I said, "Of course it's fine.”
“The partnership was always the key and there was still a bit in the wicket at that stage and the role was just to extend the partnership for as long as we could, because we knew at some stage it was going to get nice to bat on and we could then go chase the runs.
“It was a massive effort from him to do it pretty much on one leg. I still remember us going back out and I was like, "Obviously no quick singles right." He said, "No, no. I'll call it." I said, “Cool.” And then he's the guy that keeps running back for two, and keeps running back for three.”