Temba Bavuma vows to prepare 'even better' after copping a pair on South Africa Test captaincy debut
- Nasri Alexander
- 4 March 2023
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has vowed to prepare "even better" ahead of the second Test against the West Indies after copping a pair of ducks on his debut as skipper in the longest format.
Bavuma was dismissed without scoring and faced just three balls across his two innings against the Caribbean side in the first Test that the Proteas won by 87 runs in Centurion.
AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis are the only other South Africa Test captains to have got a pair in red-ball cricket, with both also happening at SuperSport Park.
Bavuma said after the game: "When you're a leader, it's important to stick to your leadership bargain, but what can't be forgotten is that as a batter or bowler, your currency remains runs or wickets.
"You have to make sure you look after those two departments and fix things as and when it's required.
"However, people need to understand that we're also human because you're not always going to get wickets and runs.
"You're just like the other players, but it's the pressure and responsibility you have to live with. I'll prepare even better for the second Test and do things the way I do and hope things will get better."
It was though a winning start in the Test format for the new leadership group of the Proteas under Bavuma and head coach Shukri Conrad.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who took 6-50 in the second innings to orchestrate the victory, says the fact that Bavuma skippers the team in the white-ball formats brings a familiarity factor.
The paceman added: "We're used to his captaincy style. He knows what he's doing and he's got experience. It didn't feel different that much.
"There are no disputes with his tactics. He's willing to be open-minded and hear from us. The main point is the guys are comfortable and familiar with him."
The second Test between the Proteas and the Windies starts at the Wanderers on 8 March with the home team looking to wrap up a series clean sweep.
