ICC World Test Championship Final: Maharaj Eyes Glory at Lord’s

Maharaj: Proteas Aim to Honour Legends in ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord’s

As South Africa prepares to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, one of their most senior players, Keshav Maharaj, has made it clear that this match means far more than just another title decider. It is an emotional return to Lord’s—the same historic venue where a legendary South African team, led by Graeme Smith and featuring icons like Dale Steyn and Jacques Kallis, famously rose to the top of the Test rankings by defeating England 13 years ago.

Now, a new generation of Proteas stands on the cusp of greatness, and Maharaj believes this is a golden opportunity to honour the South African cricket legends of the past, while also carving out a new legacy for themselves.

Proteas Seek Redemption and Glory in ICC World Test Championship Final

The South African Test side arrives in London with momentum and belief. After winning seven consecutive Tests—including a hard-fought home series against Pakistan and away wins in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh—they topped the ICC World Test Championship standings. Their last defeat came against New Zealand in February 2024, and since then, Dean Elgar’s squad has been on a mission of quiet domination.

In a recent media interaction, Maharaj acknowledged the significance of playing at Lord’s, especially with the historical echoes of 2012 still fresh in the minds of fans and players. “We know that apart from doing it for ourselves, we want to honour the legends of the past,” Maharaj stated. “Hopefully, we will one day be seen in the same calibre and light, to win such a coveted title and hold the Test mace.”

His words reflect not just ambition, but also deep respect for the tradition and legacy of South African Test cricket. And that legacy—marked by grit, fast bowling dominance, and bold leadership—is now in the hands of a new blend of youth and experience.

Keshav Maharaj Nears a Milestone Amid Personal and Team Goals

While team success remains paramount, Keshav Maharaj’s personal milestone also adds to the emotional weight of this final. The left-arm spinner, currently sitting on 198 Test wickets, is just two scalps away from joining South Africa’s elite 200-wicket club—a feat that would place him among the greats like Paul Adams and Hugh Tayfield.

“It would be very special,” Maharaj admitted when asked about the milestone. “Any cricketer always has a bucket list in terms of venues they want to play at, and to get that feat in front of my family at Lord’s would be very special.”

Having played a crucial role in the Test side since his debut in 2016, Maharaj’s control, resilience, and commitment have made him an irreplaceable asset—especially in pressure moments. While he remains humble about statistics, there’s no denying that a 10-wicket match haul at the ‘Home of Cricket’ would be an iconic chapter in his journey.

Close Calls and a Renewed Drive for ICC Glory

The past few years have seen South Africa come agonisingly close to ICC silverware. In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, the Proteas were runners-up. They also reached the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. These near-misses, according to Maharaj, have only added fire to their campaign.

“In previous attempts, no one expected us to reach the knockout phases of any competition, but we have reached two semi-finals and two finals,” he noted. “Hopefully through all those misses we come right in this one.”

Indeed, that blend of disappointment and belief defines this team’s current identity. Maharaj emphasised that the South African unit has drawn confidence from their recent brand of cricket—an aggressive, fearless style that has yielded consistency in both batting and bowling departments.

Proteas Draw Strength from Unity and History

What’s striking about this South African Test side is their quiet confidence. Unlike past teams that carried the burden of being favourites, this unit is built on synergy rather than superstardom. Young talents like David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, and Gerald Coetzee are gelling well with experienced hands like Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, and Maharaj himself.

“When we started the journey two years ago, a lot of people didn’t think we’d be in this situation,” said Maharaj. “But with each and every series, we grow more and more.”

He credits the team’s success to the camaraderie in the camp, and the ability to remain grounded in the face of rising expectations. Now, with the World Test Championship mace within reach, Maharaj and his teammates are urging themselves to soak in the occasion, play with freedom, and honour their cricketing ancestors in the best possible way—by becoming champions at Lord’s.