Aiden Markram: Proteas have laid 'chokers' tag to rest

Aiden Markram: Proteas have laid 'chokers' tag to rest with historic World Test Championship triumph

Aiden Markram believes South Africa's victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final has finally laid to rest the long-standing "chokers" tag - and hopes the Proteas' triumph can inspire a new generation to prioritise Test cricket.

Markram was named Player of the Match for his pivotal 136 at Lord's, an innings that guided South Africa to a six-wicket win over Australia and their first ICC title since the 1998 Champions Trophy. His knock will be remembered as one of the defining innings in South African cricket history, coming on the grandest stage and in pursuit of a challenging target.

Having fallen just six runs shy of the finish line, Markram watched from the balcony as the Proteas completed one of their most iconic victories - and one that may shift the narrative around the team's past near-misses.

"I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup final last year and how helpless I felt after getting out," said Markram, who captained South Africa in that loss. "That gave me motivation to stay in the fight. It was all about getting the job done this time.

"This is as big and as tough as it gets. All the questions that have followed us for years - they've now been answered. It would be great to not hear the word 'chokers' again."

Markram reached three figures late on day three, but with 69 runs still needed and an Australian attack still threatening, there was little time to savour the moment. He admitted he barely slept the night before, and emotions overwhelmed him when he raised his bat.

"The game slowed down a bit, and I looked around - saw the fans, my family, the boys in the changing room," he said. "It caught me off guard. I tried to fight the tears but couldn't. It was a lot."

His 147-run third-wicket stand with captain Temba Bavuma was the backbone of South Africa's chase - the joint second-highest successful Test pursuit at Lord's. Bavuma, battling through a visible hamstring strain, anchored the innings despite limited mobility, earning high praise from his vice-captain.

"When we got to tea, Temba said he could keep going, even though running was tough," Markram explained. "He asked if it would affect me if twos became ones, and I told him it's all about the partnership. He showed leadership, character, and guts."

The victory is more than just silverware for Markram, whose passion for Test cricket shone through in his post-match reflections. Born in Centurion - fittingly - he now hopes the win will ignite a renewed desire among young South Africans to dream in whites.

"I'm not chasing numbers or stats - I just want to win things for South Africa," he said. "Test cricket has always been my favourite format. It's the toughest, most rewarding version of the game.

"We want young players coming through to view a Test cap as the pinnacle. The No.1 priority should always be to play Test cricket for your country. If we can pass that on, we've done something really special."

As the Proteas celebrated their lap of honour at Lord's - Markram, beer in hand, offered one by a childhood friend in the crowd - a new chapter was being written for a side long haunted by history. Now, they have the silverware to match their potential - and a new legacy to build on.