From nobodies to national heroes- South Africa's turnaround at Lords.

" You walked in with a zero and walked out as a national hero,"

These were the words said by Nasser Hussein to Aiden Markram as Markram received his man of the match award at the World Test Championship Final. These words not only capture the shift in fortunes of Markram, but also echo the story of South Africa at Lords in the concluded final.

As Temba Bavuma posed with Pat Cummins with the mace in front of them at the Lords balcony, in the lead up to the final, the striking height difference between both epitomised the gap between both countries in this final. Not only cricketing-wise but in every imaginable aspect.

South Africa are from the cricketing second class as per present day dynamics, struggling to safeguard their talent from the franchise tsunami. Australia on the contrary, are the elite who always hang out with those belonging to the highest echelons in their private lounges.

South Africa were virtually a team of nobodies, whereas Australia had a bowling attack second to none and a batter in Steve Smith, one of the modern-day greats. In summary, cricketing wise South Africa were no match to Australia on paper.

Moreover, South Africa's right to be at Lords was doubted due to the structure of the World Test Championship, to an extent where the relevance of this new format was questioned. Whereas almost every single pundit and expert had Australia as their favorites, quite rightly as well.

There was no way this could have been an evenly matched contest. In a way it wasn't, except for the fact that South Africa emerged on the right side against all odds.

After an astonishing start to the Test, South Africa appeared to justify the doubts. Missed chances, lack of discipline with the ball and an early wicket in a daunting chase. All seemed to suggest the mace was going to stay strong with the Australians.

But then the proteas were here for a reason because of a reason. Yes, they were here to fight the ghosts of the past and erase the dreaded "C" word sticker and make the dreams of a nation filled with heartbreaks come true. But at the same time, they were here because every time they were pushed against a wall they found a way to stay afloat. A feat many conveniently overlooked to ridicule the proteas presence at Lords.

After gifting a series to New Zealand for financial survival and preserve the SA20 , they prevailed in Bangladesh. When their final hopes were under threat against both Pakistan and Sri Lanka at home, they found heroes to pull them through. They were a team who somehow found answers. A team who found answers against the odds.

A team that finds answers when it matters the most is a team that cannot be brushed aside. But 282 in the 4th innings at Lords?. Australia and the cricketing world were to find out soon.

A question that seemed just a bit too daunting. Not really said the men who mattered the most, stepping up in style.

While Kagiso Rabada had carried the bowling attack like a true leader, it was the turn of Markram and Bavuma. Leaders in the setup, two players who had plenty of demons from the past in their pockets, but backed by the team despite many questions and disappointments. This was their moment to show why they were special, and they did so in style. While numbers and technicalities will show why this was a great partnership, how they tackled the Bavuma injury dilemma resoundingly shows why this team is deserved of this title.

When most would have chosen to take the conservative route and retire Bavuma to bring him back later as a cushion if required, the proteas took the tougher route. Bavuma battled the pain, and Markram embraced the new status quo without complaining. It need not be said that batting with a partner who cannot run full tilt, is detrimental to the rhythm of the other batter. Markram wasn't one bit bothered. It emerged, that both were crystal clear on the choice. That's respect. That's dedication towards a cause, and that's a feature of a champion side, standing side by side for a broader cause.

South Africa came to Lords with questions over their right to be there at the ultimate Test. On Saturday afternoon, they walked away, having answered the questions in the most emphatic way imaginable through a true team effort. A team that somehow found an answer wherever it mattered is beyond a doubt a champion outfit.

Thankfully the proteas under Bavuma, found an answer one more time this week and walkedaway not only as champions but as national heros, who made a nation rejoice with relief and pride after a wait filled with heartbreaks for decades.

Take a bow Bavuma and his boys. Your story will be remembered and recollected with fondness for years to come. Also Read, The Story You Didn’t Hear About Lasith Malinga’s 100th Test Wicket: This Small Detail Got Sachin Out!

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