WTC 2025 Final: Graeme Smith Lauds Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram For Historic Performances

Speaking on ICC Digital Daily, former South African skipper and batting legend Graeme Smith lauded the South African cricket team's resilience and determination. He particularly praised captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram for their unbeaten 143-run partnership, which brought the team close to a Test victory. "Temba holding the mace and what that will mean for the people back home - I think this will lift the game again in South Africa," Smith noted, highlighting the emotional significance of their achievement.

At the end of Day 3, South Africa was at 213/2, needing just 69 more runs to win. Markram remained not out on 102, while Bavuma, despite a hamstring injury, reached 65 not out. This partnership is poised to become one of South Africa's most iconic in cricket history. Smith commended their comeback from a first-innings deficit of 75 runs, attributing it to their mental fortitude and belief.

South Africa's Grit and Determination

"We've seen such ups and downs in this Test match. South Africa fought back hard, bowled superbly, and then built a match-winning partnership. Aiden's century was sublime, and the stand with Temba was match-defining," Smith remarked. He emphasized Bavuma's leadership qualities: "We mustn't overlook what Temba has done. Battling through a sore hamstring, putting the team first, that shows real leadership."

Smith also praised Markram for his performance after scoring a duck in the first innings. "I actually picked him at the start of this innings. If South Africa were going to chase this down, he was the man. The way he played that early back-foot punch, you just knew he meant business today," Smith commented.

Australian Tactics Under Scrutiny

Smith critiqued Australia's tactics during the match, suggesting they might have been too passive. "The bowling attack tried hard, but maybe Nathan Lyon could have bowled into the rough a bit more. With Bavuma injured, I thought Cummins was a bit defensive. They could've applied more pressure when 150 were still needed," he observed.

Despite this critique, Smith was full of admiration for the South African batters' performance: "You've got to credit the Proteas. Today was about fight and class, and Aiden and Temba embodied both. Their partnership was simply outstanding."

Reflections on Progress

Reflecting on his tenure as captain during a transitional period for South African cricket, Smith acknowledged their progress: "Over the last two to three years, we've worked hard to rebuild South African cricket. Most people wrote us off before this game. And now, here we are, 69 runs away from beating one of the greatest Australian sides in a final."