South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed high praise for the men's Proteas team for bringing 'sweet pride' to the nation after an exciting 2-1 victory in the test series against Australia.
Despite losing the first match in Durban, the Proteas team demonstrated great character by winning the two subsequent matches held at Centurion Park and Newlands. The victory in the decisive match of the series by a margin of 176 runs was a worthy conclusion to the intense series.
This success in Cape Town allowed Proteas to take the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings. The Proteas team, which already holds the ICC World Test Championship Mace, last held the top position in January 2016.
Captain Temba Bavuma deserves great recognition. After criticism following the loss in Durban, the captain responded with strong batting performances and his leadership in the second match in Gqeberha.
Coach Shukri Conrad built a team that combines experience, rising talent, and a willingness to fight for each other. Ramaphosa published a message on X on behalf of the government and the nation, praising captain Temba Bavuma, coach Shukri Conrad, and the technical team for strengthening their status as the best test team in the world.
He noted that the victory in Newlands last weekend provided a thrilling spectacle and that sweet pride brought by beating the Australians. Furthermore, Ramaphosa thanked Australia for participating in this epic series, noting that they accepted the challenge and joined Proteas in creating outstanding cricket at the start of a busy summer.
Ramaphosa believes that Proteas's success in the Test format could also positively affect the ODI format, especially considering that the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup will return to South Africa in 24 years. He stated that Proteas is a source of pride for the country both with the bat and with the ball, and they are ready to perform well in the ICC World Cup next year, which will be held in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. He added that their region will be filled with this exciting sport.
Proteas's next task is a tour across all formats in Bangladesh, where the first match against Tigers is scheduled for November 15 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
