We'd love to play more Test cricket: Temba Bavuma

By Nkululeko Dladla
30th November 2024

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says they would love to play more Test cricket to assess themselves as cricketers.

The Proteas men’s team produced some great performances in the first test against Sri Lanka in Durban, with Bavuma, Marco Jansen, and Tristan Stubbs leading with match-winning performances.

Addressing the media on Friday evening, the captain said that as players, they find joy in long-format games.

"Yeah, we'd love to play more test cricket, the guys enjoy test cricket. It's really, really to get to test yourselves as cricketers and I think it's also good for the game. When I'm speaking about South Africa I think obviously T20 cricket dominates, we've got the SA20 that's been phenomenal for us but I think test cricket is something that is still highly treasured by a lot of the players. Guys get a lot of joy and satisfaction by seeing themselves successful in this format," Bavuma said.

The captain says he was doubtful ahead of the opening game, he missed the Bangladesh game due to an injury. He has shared what it means for him to bounce back and score a century against Sri Lanka.

"I think, obviously I'm really happy that I could secure a century. It has taken 10 years for me to get there so yeah. I'm really grateful, maybe when I'm alone I'll get to reflect and think about what it means for me but for now, I'm really happy," he added.

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Tristan Stubbs has become a very key player for the Proteas, especially with bat. Bavuma says batting alongside him reminds him of AB de Villiers following a recording-breaking partnership that destroyed Sri Lanka on Friday.

"Yeah, look from an excitement point of view and intensity point of view those are up there and I guess it kind of feeds off that intensity and excitement that he has. He's always up for the challenge and I guess that's always nice to come across.

“He kind of reminds me of AB, batting with AB which was always intense, always reminding you what your plans are. Making sure that you are in tune with what you are doing but yeah I really enjoyed batting with Tristand out there."