World champion Proteas ‘confident’ ahead of India Tests, says Bavuma
Temba Bavuma returns to the national side after missing their last two Test series due to injury.
While there is more expectation on them to perform, captain Temba Bavuma says the Proteas will go into their two-match Test series starting in Kolkata on Friday morning (6am) with additional confidence after winning the world title earlier this year.
Having defeated Australia in the World Test Championship final in London in June, the SA team opened the new WTC cycle last month with a 1-1 draw against Pakistan.
And they were expecting to face an even tougher challenge in India where they were aiming to win a Test series for the first time in more than 25 years.
“When we go into a series there is a lot more expectation for us as a team to uphold the champion status,” Bavuma said yesterday.
“It doesn’t really change anything from our point of view, but I think from a confidence point of view it’s just a case of us kind of walking proudly with that badge, being known as the current champions.
“We have a lovely opportunity now coming up against India in their own conditions. There are not many bigger challenges than that, so it’s a good opportunity for us to stamp ourselves at that level.”
Recovered from injury
Returning to lead the national side for the first time since the WTC final, Bavuma said he was pleased to have got a match under his belt in Bengaluru last week.
The skipper missed the two-match Test series in Zimbabwe in June and July due to a hamstring strain, and he did not compete against Pakistan last month due to a calf strain.
Playing his first game in five months, he represented the South Africa A side in a five-wicket win over India A in a four-day game last week, where he was removed for a duck in the first innings but contributed 59 runs in the second.
“Having come off a long layoff from Test cricket, I think the biggest thing for me was getting back on the field, and proving my fitness to myself and everyone around,” Bavuma said.
“Spending some time at the crease was important, and trying to make whatever adjustments I needed to make with the conditions here in the sub-continent.
“I spent a lot of time on my feet in the field, and it was a good exercise.”