Keshav Maharaj and the Proteas enter the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s this week driven by the legacy of past South African greats. Their ambition is to echo the success of the last team to claim the prestigious Test Championship mace at this very ground, a feat achieved 13 years ago.
Back in 2010, a legendary South African squad, boasting icons such as Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, and Graeme Smith, defeated England at Lord’s to ascend to the top of the Test rankings. Maharaj admits that those historic moments are a key source of inspiration for the current team.
“I vividly recall watching that moment when they lifted the mace. We want to do this not just for ourselves but to honour those legends, hoping one day to be remembered in the same light for winning such a coveted prize,” Maharaj explained.
Building Momentum with Strong Form
The Proteas have arrived in London brimming with confidence, boasting an unbeaten streak of seven Tests, their last defeat dating back to February last year against New Zealand. This impressive run has propelled the team to the summit of the ICC World Test Championship standings and has instilled a strong sense of belief within the squad ahead of the final showdown with Australia.
“When this journey began two years ago, few expected us to reach this point. But with every series, our growth has been evident,” Maharaj said.
“Our mix of youth and experience works really well, and now we’re in the hunt for another major trophy. The lads have put in tremendous effort, and excitement is mounting as the occasion draws near. It’s about embracing the moment and playing with freedom.”
Turning Past Near Misses Into Fuel
Several players in the squad, including Maharaj himself, have come close to international silverware in recent years but have narrowly missed out. Maharaj was part of the team that finished runners-up at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, and the Proteas also made it to the semi-finals of both the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
While these close calls are still painful, Maharaj insists they serve as motivation.
“In previous tournaments, no one expected us to advance as far as we did, yet we reached two semi-finals and two finals,” he said.
“We want to learn from those experiences and finally break through this time. The way we have played over the last few years inspires us, and if we remain true to our style, this could be our moment to lift the trophy that has eluded us for so long.”
Milestones and Memories Await at Lord’s
On a personal level, Maharaj is on the verge of a significant career milestone, just two wickets shy of 200 in Test cricket. While he prioritises team success over personal accolades, the chance to reach this landmark at Lord’s, in front of family and fans, is special.
“It would be a memorable occasion. I don’t focus too much on stats; my goal is to help the team win. Hopefully, I can take a ten-wicket haul,” Maharaj said.
“My journey so far has been rewarding, and I hope it continues for some time. Playing at Lord’s is on every cricketer’s bucket list, so this is a wonderful opportunity for all of us.”
As the Proteas prepare to face Australia in the WTC final, their eyes are firmly fixed on honouring the legacy of the past while carving out their own chapter in the country’s cricketing history.
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