Mark Boucher has confirmed that Temba Bavuma will bat at No 3 for the Proteas in the ODI series against Pakistan.

“We’re in a phase now where we’re focusing on the brand of cricket we’re playing,” said Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, in his address to the media ahead of South Africa’s first ODI against Pakistan at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

South Africa is playing ODI cricket after a year. Compared to the last ODI series against Australia, where a number of players were either injured or rested, Boucher is pleased to have a full-strength squad to select from. “We’re sitting with a nice headache,” said Boucher. 

Through the course of the press conference, Boucher offered insight into the batting positions of Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram. “Temba will bat (at) 3,” said Boucher.

“I see Aiden batting upfront,” he continued. Boucher clarified that the Proteas will explore a variety of batting positions to ensure the team is well-balanced. “We’re prepared to juggle around to see the balance,” said Boucher. 

Boucher expressed his confidence in Aiden Markram’s white-ball abilities, emphasizing that giving him better role clarity will help him perform. “He’s got a clear direction now. His job is to score runs and bat the way he has been in domestic cricket.”

Effusive in his praise for Markram’s abilities, Boucher and the team management view Markram as a potential matchwinner at the 2023 World Cup. 

With Temba Bavuma announced as South Africa’s white-ball captain for the next two years, Boucher said, “It was a big choice to make, and I’m very happy with how things have gone.”

Expounding on Bavuma’s first few days with a young team, Boucher said, “Temba is a nice guy, it’s not difficult for him to form relationships.” However, Boucher also cautioned, “We have to give Temba some time to find his feet.” 

Overall, Boucher’s focus is on “trying to upskill players,” particularly in the way they counter spin, given the Proteas will be playing a lot in subcontinental conditions over the next few months.

From a bowling perspective, the team has been working on wicket-taking bowling in the middle overs. “We’ve got the firepower and spinner to do that,” Boucher signed off.