“We’re fortunate to test our skills against their skills,” said South African white-ball captain, Temba Bavuma, ahead of the first T20 between South Africa and West Indies in Grenada. 

Bavuma views this series as an opportunity for South Africa to assess the strength of the T20 team against a full-strength West Indies outfit comprising Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Dwayne Bravo, among others.

However, Bavuma is focused on winning this series, as opposed to worrying about the challenges that subcontinental conditions will present during the T20 World Cup. “It’s about making sure we play our best cricket in these conditions,” said Bavuma. 

Inclement weather has delayed the team management’s discussion on the makeup of the team for the first T20. “The side will be finalized after our last training session today. Weather has been a concern. We didn’t have an opportunity to look at the wicket,” explained Bavuma. 

With South Africa winning the Test series against the West Indies, Bavuma is confident of that momentum flowing into the T20 series. “Quite a number of the Test guys are in the T20 side. It’s only natural that they will carry that confidence into the T20 series.” 

Persistent injuries prevented Bavuma from playing a part in the Test series, but he has been declared fully fit for the T20 series. “It has been a frustrating, mentally tough time trying to deal with the injuries. Unfortunate incidents have come my way. I’m happy that I am fit and ready for the T20 series that starts tomorrow.” 

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