We Create Our Own Reality” – Conrad’s Defiant Rallying Cry
Shukri Conrad brushed aside suggestions that South Africa’s route to the World Test Championship final was “easy,” reminding critics that champions define their own path. Reflecting on former England captain Michael Vaughan’s remark that “they’ve got to the final by beating pretty much nobody,” Conrad fired back:
“We’re the world champions. We create our own reality… when we play against supposedly the top three, we will perform.”
He made these comments after leading the Proteas to a five-wicket victory over Australia at Lord’s, insisting that belief and execution matter more than fixtures on paper”
Conrad also lauded the final itself as “an absolute spectacle,” praising Lord’s historic ambiance and the travelling South African fans who “spend hard‑earned cash at 25 rand to a pound to come out here and support us.” His words captured both the gravity of the moment and the pride of vindicating a team many had doubted.
Markram’s Masterclass: Silencing the “Chokers” Label
Aiden Markram’s blistering 136 in the second innings did more than steer the chase—it rewrote South African cricketing folklore. After a lean run of 16 innings without a century, he marshalled his side home, falling with only six runs remaining, reuters.com.
Recalling the anguish of last year’s T20 World Cup final defeat, Markram admitted:
“I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night… That gave me motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease. It was all about getting the job done.”
His partnership of 147 with captain Temba Bavuma—who battled a hamstring strain to contribute a gritty 66—turned one of the highest successful fourth‑innings chases at Lord’s into reality.
Emotion overwhelmed him when he raised his bat: “The game slowed down… I saw fans, my family, my mates… tears leaked out.” For Markram, lifting South Africa’s first major ICC trophy since 1998 meant more than a statistic; it was redemption.
Legacy and Impact: A New Chapter for South African Test Cricket
- Breaking a 27-year drought: This triumph ended South Africa’s ICC title hiatus dating back to the 1998 Champions Trophy.
- Shedding the “chokers” tag: With both coach and players declaring that all past doubts have been answered, the narrative has firmly shifted.
- Inspiring the next generation: Markram underscored the importance of Test cricket’s primacy in South Africa, urging young talent to see a Test cap as the ultimate goal.
Conrad’s mantra—“We create our own reality”—now carries the full weight of history. After combining tactical nous, mental resilience, and moments of individual brilliance, the Proteas have not only won a trophy but reshaped their global cricketing identity. SACricket
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