'What our country's about': Keshav Maharaj sheds tears in stirring interview with Graeme Smith after victory

With South African legend Graeme Smith wrapping an arm around him, Keshav Maharaj couldn't help but weep.

It was an incredible campaign for the Proteas over the World Test Championship cycle with many arguing they weren't worthy finalists.

In the final they were written off, but instead produced a shock and defeated Australia.

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Post-match, Maharaj cried as he explained what the result meant to him.

"It's special, Graeme. Tears won't even describe what we feel right now," he said on Amazon Prime.

"It's just a privilege and honour to lift the coveted title, and to be a part of it for everyone out here and everyone back home is super special for us and the boys, and it's just what our country's about.

"To see the unity over the last few days and throughout the season, it's super special and we're very grateful as a team and as a nation and as a proud country."

Cameras then cut to the stands as South African fans stood arm in arm hanging off every word.

Maharaj praised the loyal fans who dominated the attendance numbers at Lord's over the four days.

The spinner's services weren't required too much over the Test, taking 1-36 for the match.

But the nerves would've no doubt been there in the final innings as he sat padded up. Only two wickets had to fall for Mahraj to be in.

Alas, Kyle Verreynne hit the winning runs.

"Obviously I didn't think that far ahead but if there was an opportunity that posed itself, I think the emotions probably would've spurned me into the right direction," Maharaj said.

The 35-year-old then delivered one final message to South Africa's loyal fans.

"Thank you to everyone that's here, back home, to everyone around the world that's been supporting us. Through adversity we've stood strong as a team and here we are today to raise a trophy that's alluded us for a number of years," he said.

"But we honour those before us. To those that are here and those that will continue to come, we love you and appreciate you. Continue supporting us as we do good things as a team and as a country, and may this just be the stepping stone of good things to come."

Following Maharaj's interview, coach Shukri Conrad wasn't willing to take his sunglasses off when speaking to Kevin Pietersen.

"I think mine (eyes) are worse than Kesh's," he said.

"Something that we don't talk about often is the bigger picture, South Africa, but this was for South Africa. Amid everything that goes on in our country, to be able to deliver something like this, truly special."