Temba Bavuma says the Proteas will have to continue finding ways to overcome their growing injury concerns as attention turns from a successful ODI series against Australia to a massive home Test summer.
South Africa completed the ODI series with confidence and momentum, but another injury concern emerged when Tony de Zorzi went down during the final match.
With the Test squad set to come together ahead of the opening match against Australia in Durban, Bavuma acknowledged that losing another player would be a blow but believes frustration will not help the Proteas.
“Unfortunately, Tony, he’s gone down.
“The doctors will do their thing and carry through their assessments and all of that. But look, as a team, we just have to do what we need to do, right? Yeah, it’s a blow, obviously, within our plans. Tony fulfils a certain role.
“But there’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and do the business when they need it. To be honest, there’s no point in getting more frustrated at the situation. That’s not going to help any bit.
“We’ve had a conversation with the medical team, they’re doing the best that they can. I guess considering everything that is amongst them. For us as a team, when we get together on Friday, the Test team, we’ll just have to make sure we lock in.
“And like I said, in true South African fashion, try and find a way.”
Rabada progressing well
There is more encouraging news surrounding Kagiso Rabada, who has been included in South Africa’s preliminary Test squad while recovering from injury.
Bavuma believes Rabada’s importance to the group extends beyond what he contributes with the ball.
“Exciting, firstly. I think the guy, even if he’s not on the field, but just his presence within the team environment is super important.
“So to have him contribute with these pearls of wisdom, we’re looking forward to that. From what I hear, he’s progressing quite well. I’ve had chats with him, he’s very much optimistic.
“I think just waiting for the green light to be given. He’ll continue to be looked after. We’ll look after him as well as other players within the team.
“Excited to have him a part of that group.”
Nortje could bring pace back to the Test attack
Anrich Nortje’s return to the Test setup provides another intriguing option for South Africa.
The fast bowler has been away from Test cricket, but Bavuma revealed that Nortje has remained someone the Proteas believe could have an important role, particularly in home conditions.
“As much as he’s been off the radar, if I put it that way, he’s someone that we always felt that he could play a role within Test cricket.
“Especially in our conditions. Especially with our approach of bombing teams with our fast bowlers.
“He’s fit and rearing to go. Obviously you’ll have to get all the necessary workloads under his belt. Put his body under strain and see how that comes up.
“But the fact that he’s put up his hand, he wants to be a part of things again. That’s very much exciting.”
For Bavuma, Nortje’s return also reflects the faith shown in him by the Proteas coaching staff and selectors.
“I think it obviously shows the faith that the coach and all the decision makers have shown his way.
“I’m sure Anrich, understanding their character, when the opportunity comes, he’ll be looking to repay that faith.”
Australia bring a different energy
The upcoming series will be Australia’s first Test tour of South Africa since the controversial 2018 series.
Bavuma expects the rivalry between the two teams to create a different atmosphere, but believes the attention should remain on the cricket rather than events from eight years ago.
“I think the Test series, there’s always a different taste to Test cricket.
“So I think yes, there will be a different energy to Test cricket, but I don’t think it will be anything negative or anything like that.
“I think a lot of us in South Africa, we respect the Australians, their history, their legacy, and how they’ve been so dominant over the years. So just having them on our shores is one thing.
“And I think there will always be banter, right? Whenever we go to Australia, there’s banter. I’m sure the guys will expect it. But I don’t expect anything over the top.
“I think the focus will really be the battle on the field.”
There is also the added context of the two teams having contested the previous World Test Championship final.
“The two teams who clashed in the WTC final. I think people will be looking forward to seeing the type of heroics that were on show during that game.”
WTC success has created belief
South Africa’s World Test Championship success has also changed what Bavuma believes this group can aspire to achieve.
Having experienced winning major silverware, the Proteas captain says there is now a desire within the group to experience it again.
“I think as a sportsman, every game you play, you look to win it, right? I think when there’s a trophy up for grabs, I don’t think that’s something you can just look past.
“For us, the WTC, that’s been up there. I think with us having a taste of that silverware, it’s created that desire but also that belief that we can also get a lot more of those trophies.
“Whatever opportunity is there to get silverware, to get a trophy, we’ll definitely go at it with a certain level of hunger and desire.”
Australia represent the next challenge in that process.
“Yes, there’s the significance of playing against Australia and we know historically what that means. But I think in terms of where we would like to be as a team, for us to get there we have to overcome this challenge and that’s Australia at this point.
“We have the advantage that it’s at home and we’re going to have to use that advantage.
“We know the bigger picture but that’s at the back of our minds. In front of us now is how we’re going to put our best foot forward come that first day in Durban.”
A massive home summer awaits
The Australia series begins a significant period of Test cricket at home for the Proteas, with Bangladesh and England also scheduled to visit South Africa.
For Bavuma and his teammates, the opportunity to play an extended run of Test cricket in front of South African supporters is something they are relishing.
“Super big, right? I was chatting to some of the guys there and just kind of looking a little bit forward.
“Obviously there’s a three-match Test series here and a lot of us haven’t been in the position where we can enjoy cricket here at home.
“We’re super looking forward to that and I think the fans as well. They’re also looking forward to that, coming into venues like Potchefstroom where we don’t ordinarily get to play.
“It’s very exciting, not just for us the players but for fans here in South Africa and globally as well.”
Before turning their full attention to Test cricket, Bavuma was pleased with what South Africa managed to take from the ODI series.
“The first objective obviously was to win the series.
“We’ve managed to do that. I think part of that as well is to give opportunities for guys to kind of dust off whatever cobwebs there may have been from not having played cricket for a while.
“Certain batters spent time at the crease, bowlers as well, got overs under their belt.
“So I think there’s confidence and momentum that we can take from this ODI series.”
Now the focus shifts to Durban and the start of a Test series carrying plenty of history, expectation and significance for both sides.
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