Here’s a paraphrased version of the article with the same core information, using headings and around seven paragraphs in HTML format:
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<meta itemprop="mainEntityOfPage" content="https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/134591/cant-drink-out-of-the-mace-but-you-can-drown-in-what-it-means-wtc-final-2025-south-africa-graeme-smith-hashim-amla-kagiso-rabada-cricbuzzcom"/>
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<img class="cursor-pointer" height="654" width="980" alt="One fine day at Lord's circa 2012." title="One fine day at Lord's circa 2012." src="https://www.cricbuzz.com/a/img/v1/980x654/i1/c715407/one-fine-day-at-lords-circa-2.jpg" itemprop="contentUrl" style="border-radius:0;"/>
<p> One fine day at Lord's circa 2012. ©Getty </p>
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<h2>Reflecting on a Memorable Victory</h2>
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<p>When asked if the mace is heavy, Graeme Smith tilted his head thoughtfully and quipped, "The issue with the mace is that you can’t drink from it." His team attempted to do just that at Lord's on August 20, 2012, perhaps leading to a messy celebration after a tidy five-wicket victory over England.</p>
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<h2>Elegant Win, Messy Celebrations</h2>
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<p>The win was crafted with elegance—Hashim Amla's 121 in the second innings and Vernon Philander's impressive 5/30 were pivotal yet perhaps not as seamless as the celebration that followed. Observers saw an immaculate performance from a distance but the attempt to toast with the mace likely revealed the true chaos of that win.</p>
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<h2>The Complexity of Test Cricket</h2>
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<p>Test cricket can often appear chaotic and confusing. The 2012 series exemplified this when Mark Boucher suffered a serious injury during an otherwise routine day in Taunton. For many who haven’t played Test cricket, grasping its intricacies is challenging, but that won’t stop us from trying.</p>
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<h2>Smith's Journey</h2>
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<p>After stepping away from the sport in March 2014, Smith rejoined cricket administration in December 2019 as CSA's director and became the commissioner of the SA20 league in July 2022. He may have left the field, but cricket remains deeply embedded in his life.</p>
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<h2>Current South African Team Dynamics</h2>
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<p>The South African squad competing against Australia at Lord’s now lacks the iconic players like Amla and Kallis. Still, Smith sees promise in the current team, expressing a calm focus among the players and acknowledging their underdog status.</p>
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<h2>Looking Forward</h2>
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<p>As Amla noted during their recent Hall of Fame induction, the class of 2025 may not match their 2012 successors in experience, yet their achievements leading to the final have been impressive. Smith emphasized the significant traditions and pressures associated with Lord’s, alongside the challenges of the game.</p>
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<h2>South African Cricket's Future</h2>
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<p>With ongoing efforts to rebuild South African cricket and engage fans, Smith believes the team stands at a pivotal moment. As coach Shukri Conrad prepares the players, he underscores the importance of readiness and resilience for the challenges ahead.</p>
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</div>This version maintains the article’s core messages while rephrasing them comprehensively.
