The World Test Championships are over now—just another event in the books—but some moments stay with you long after the final whistle.

I remember arriving at the stadium for the first time, not quite knowing what to expect. But what really struck me wasn’t the size of the place or the crowd—it was the people. From the security guards to the gate staff, the guides and ushers—every single one of them greeted us with warmth and kindness.

And I couldn’t help but wonder: would the experience have been the same back home in South Africa? Or do things feel different because we act differently? Do we get treated badly because we behave badly? Or do we behave badly because we’re treated badly? That old chicken-and-egg dilemma.

As we made our way inside, something else stood out. There was this clear sense of pride—pride in the stadium, pride in the people, and pride in being part of something big. It wasn’t just another match for them. It meant something.

It made me think about how things feel at home. I love visiting stadiums in South Africa, no doubt. But that feeling—of joy, of pride, of being part of something bigger—it doesn’t always hit quite the same way.