Thousands of supporters gathered at Johannesburg’s main airport on Wednesday to celebrate the return of the World Test Championship-winning South Africa team. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, the Proteas clinched a five-wicket win against Australia at Lord’s last Saturday, ending a 27-year major trophy drought. Bavuma and coach Shukri Conrad were the first to greet the cheering crowd, proudly holding the Mace awarded for their championship win. Each player carried a bouquet, shaking hands with supporters, hugging others and signing autographs. Opening batter Aiden Markram bounced back from a first-innings duck to score 136 in the second innings, setting the stage for a victory in London with a day and a half to spare. Pace bowler Kagiso Rabada was another standout performer, taking nine wickets in the final, as South Africa claimed their first major trophy since the 1998 ICC Knockout Trophy (now Champions Trophy). Among those greeting the team on a cool, sunny winter morning in South Africa’s commercial capital were accountant Brian Gabela and receptionist Mandy Tshabalala. Gabela, 35, told AFP, “I had to be here and welcome the boys home. They have suffered so many heartbreaks over the past two decades. Now we are the champions of the world. I was pessimistic when we trailed by 74 runs after the first innings, but Aiden Markram’s magnificent second knock turned the tide.” Tshabalala, 37, who came to the airport with her son, Monthati, also admitted she had been worried after Australia built a first-innings lead. “I have been supporting the Proteas since I was a child, and it has been sad seeing them come so close so often without bringing home a trophy. “Apart from his studies, my high school son spends many hours each week keeping up to date with the Proteas. His favourite cricketer is Kagiso (Rabada).” The triumphant team and coaches will hold a press conference at the Johannesburg headquarters of Cricket South Africa later on Wednesday. South Africa’s next match is scheduled for June 28, when they face northern neighbours Zimbabwe in the first of two Tests in Bulawayo. Bavuma will lead the team, but Markram and Rabada will be rested. Among the five uncapped players called up are Titans duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Lesego Senokwane. Pretorius, 19, made a significant impression in a recent domestic four-day competition, scoring three centuries in five appearances and averaging 72.66. Senokwane also shone with the bat in the competition, accumulating 559 runs, including two centuries. Both players have recently debuted for South Africa A against the West Indies A. Following the Tests, South Africa will participate in a seven-match Twenty20 tournament in Harare, facing Zimbabwe and New Zealand. Test squad: Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf With AFP Inputs