On this day, we celebrate the many South African fathers and sons who love cricket

The Protea Men’s team awoke in London on Sunday to one of the happiest Father’s Days ever.

It could easily have been a nervous start on the final morning of the ICC World Test Championship final but, having clinched the Mace the day before, a much-needed lie in was the order of the day for the team and their families.

As the team rose on Sunday, beer bottles and team songs were swapped for morning feeds and nappy changes.

In the heady aftermath of the first senior Men’s ICC trophy in 27 years, one of the enduring images of the day was that of captain Temba Bavuma, with the Mace in one hand and his son in the other, wearing Test cap No 85.

“Fatherhood has definitely changed me as a person,” the captain smiles. “Even the team says it has made me a better man. It is special and gives you someone else to play for.”

A cornerstone of the success of this team has been the strong sense of family, from the players and coaching staff, as well as the extended families who provide support, regardless of the result.

Father’s Day brings a perfect opportunity to reflect on those who have played a role in turning backyard dreams into the stuff that leads to victory parades at Lord’s. And, indeed, those who will follow in the footsteps of young fathers as they made history.

“This is even more special, because my family is here with me,” veteran spearhead Keshav Maharaj explains.

“It is my first one as a father and my dream was to have my daughter with me, playing on the outfield at Lord’s, with a winner’s medal on her,” an emotional Maharaj added.

Maharaj openly shed a tear in the immediate aftermath of glory, as he told former captain Graeme Smith that the victory was for those who had come before, and those to follow.

It is also for the many fathers and children who were in the stands, cheering every run and wicket. From the famous ones, like former captain AB de Villiers with his sons who were at Lord’s, to those who tuned in together at home, watching history unfold.

The South African cricket story is one of hope, passed down carefully from each generation. In the team, batting star Aiden Markram and bowling spearhead Kagiso Rabada have shared international victories at Under-19 and senior level. Their dads who followed them every step of the way and were present at Lord’s.

Corbin Bosch was also an Under-19 world champion who graduated to be a Test world champion. His father, Tertius, was a formidable fast bowler for the Proteas, as the country returned to the international fold. No doubt, he would be proud to see world champion next to his son’s name.

Big fast bowler Lungi Ngidi also lost his father, Jerome, in 2018. ‘Hlomuka’ would have been proud to see the giant smile on his son’s face, as he played his role in dismantling the Australian middle-order in the second innings.

Indeed, the backroom staff is also filled with strong father figures, who provided a stern word or a shoulder to lean on in the testing times. That team is led by the ultimate father figure, in coach Shukri Conrad.

“I guess I do play that father figure role, because most of these guys are close in age to my kids,” the veteran coach says.

“They keep me young, because they give me headaches. People like Dane Paterson … they are the reason I don’t have any hair anymore,” he added.

“If he is quiet for too long, you know he is up to no good. And some of the music they play … my goodness! But they are the reason we do this and keep coaching. Cricket means so much to all of us and to the people of this country,” the coach concluded.

Of course, the game would be incomplete without the love and nurture of mothers, wives, girlfriends and daughters and they have all been present at Lord’s and on the entire journey to this momentous occasion for South African cricket.

On this day, from London with love, the ICC World Test champions wish every one of their fans the happiest Father’s Day.