JOHANNESBURG, June 19 (AGCNewsNet) – Jubilant scenes erupted at Johannesburg’s main airport on Wednesday as South Africa’s national cricket team, the Proteas, returned home to a hero’s welcome after clinching their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title.

The Proteas defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in England over the weekend, ending a 27-year international trophy drought for the team.

Hundreds of fans from across Gauteng gathered at the airport, turning the terminal into a festival of celebration. Vuvuzelas blared, live music echoed, and chants of joy filled the air as supporters welcomed their champions.

“It’s finally sinking in that we are the world Test champions,” said head coach Shukri Conrad, visibly moved by the reception. “We had great support in England, but this... this is unreal.”

Test captain Themba Bavuma, who played a pivotal role in the final, shared the emotional significance of the victory. “I think the biggest thing is that we did it the proper South African way,” he said. “We embraced everything it means to be South African, and we’re proud to have made our people proud.”

Bavuma anchored a vital 147-run partnership with centurion Aiden Markram in the second innings—an effort that proved crucial in chasing down the target against a formidable Australian side.

The victory not only secures South Africa’s place in cricket history but also brings long-awaited joy to a nation hungry for international sporting triumphs.