The Test Mace's Gleam Lights South Africa's Path

The ICC Test mace, a symbol of South Africa's historic win in the WTC final, made a triumphant appearance at the CSA awards in Johannesburg. Held aloft by Temba Bavuma, the mace was met with applause and excitement from the 500-strong crowd.

Bavuma, who has been instrumental in the team's success, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to share the mace with fans. "It gets bigger and bigger every time we have an opportunity to meet people on the ground with the mace," he said.

The mace's gleam may have dimmed slightly for Bavuma, but he remains committed to celebrating the team's achievement. "We have another year-and-a-half to celebrate being the champions, and it will happen a lot more," he said.

The Test mace's appearance in South Africa is a rare occurrence, as cricket's place in the public consciousness hasn't been burnished as brightly as rugby. However, Bavuma believes that the team's success will help change that. "What we've done now will take that away. We want to unite people, but you can't do that if you don't have success behind you."

The team's next challenge is the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka and India, but Bavuma feels that the fallout from the WTC win will have a lasting impact. "I do sense and believe there will be a shift in trust and faith."

Aiden Markram, the T20I captain, is part of the white-ball squads heading to Australia and England. He hopes that the team's success will translate to the shorter formats. "To be able to be at home and see what winning the WTC has meant to people has been cool," he said.

Markram's own contribution to the WTC win, a vital innings at Lord's, will be remembered for years to come. He plans to retire his bat, which played a key role in the match, and keep it safe as a memento.