'Heard Aussies using that dreaded word' - Temba Bavuma reveals Australia’s offensive sledging

Temba Bavuma became the first South African captain since Hansie Cronje to win a ICC tournament at the senior level. There were plenty of struggles and heartbreaks for the Proteas before they ended their 27-yeardrought by a historic win in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's.

Repeated failures at the big stage meant that the South African had got the dreaded tag of 'chokers'. After their victory over Australia, skipper Bevuma made a startling revelation that he could hear the word "choke" from Australia during the WTC 2025 Final.

The South African skipper addressed the fact that many people doubted them and their path to the final. He claimed that South Africa's WTC Final win was the perfect win to show that unity trumped everything.

"While we were batting, we could hear the Aussies using that dreaded word: choke. We came in with a lot of belief and a lot of doubters. We got ourselves into the final, and there were doubters as to the route we took. This win squashes that. Here’s an opportunity for us as a nation, divided as we are, to unite," said Bavuma in the post-match conference.

All the questions that have been asked in the past have now been answered: Temba Bavuma

Bavuma reckoned that the victory is an opportunity for South Africa to come together as a nation, forgetting their differences and divisions. He also added it would be great to not to hear the word 'chokers' associated with them.

"As a country, it’s a chance for us to rejoice in something, to forget about our issues and really come together. I hope it inspires and continues to inspire our country. For this group of players, there were a lot of doubters, but the way we played would have wiped all of that out," added Bavuma. "It’ll be great not to have to hear that again. Getting the job done and getting rid of it is quite a big thing for this team. All the questions that have been asked in the past have now been answered."