The Proteas’ long-awaited ICC triumph has not only sparked national celebrations but also placed a new kind of pressure on the team – that of being the hunted.

South Africa’s World Test Championship title, secured in a gripping final at Lord’s, ended a 27-year ICC trophy drought and firmly re-established them as a force in the longest format. But, as wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne acknowledges, it’s also made them a marked team.

“I definitely know there’s a target on our backs now,” he told SportsBoom.co.za. “We’re the champions, so every team will be up for it when they face us.”

Critics have suggested that South Africa benefited from a favourable WTC schedule, but Verreynne strongly rejects that.

“We’ve played every team and beaten everyone except England – and they finished fifth in the standings.”

Verreynne, who was dropped from the national side and had to force his way back with consistent domestic performances, played a crucial role in the final. It was fitting that he struck the winning runs – sealing victory alongside longtime teammate David Bedingham.

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“It’s not like we were going to lose – we needed one run,” Verreynne said of the nervy moment. “But the emotions, the crowd, realising we were about to win … it was just special.”

While Verreynne celebrated with fans at the squad’s homecoming, Bedingham was conspicuously absent.

“David’s not here,” Verreynne said with a laugh. “I don’t know if he lost his passport or just couldn’t find it, but he couldn’t get on the flight to South Africa.”

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The Proteas now turn their focus to a Test series in Zimbabwe, which starts on Saturday. And as Test world champions, every performance from here on will be closely scrutinised.

“We’ve set the standard now,” said Verreynne. “It’s about backing it up.”

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