Temba Bavuma’s performance in 2024 showcased two contrasting tales across Test series. Against the West Indies in the Caribbean, Bavuma endured a tough outing, managing only 105 runs in four innings. Despite getting off to starts in some innings, his inability to convert those into substantial scores stood out. His best effort in the series was a gritty 86, which highlighted his resilience but came amid a lack of support and consistency. The skipper’s struggles with strike rotation and a high dot-ball percentage (71.2%) reflected his inability to control proceedings. This series marked a rare slump for Bavuma, as the team leaned on other players to shoulder the batting responsibilities.

However, Bavuma made a resounding comeback during the subsequent home series against Sri Lanka. In stark contrast to his earlier struggles, he amassed 183 runs in just two innings, including a sublime 113. Bavuma batted with greater fluency, improving his strike rate to 53.0 and reducing his dot-ball percentage. His partnership-building and ability to dominate the Sri Lankan bowling attack reinforced his role as a key figure in South Africa’s Test batting lineup. This turnaround not only silenced critics but also showcased Bavuma’s resilience and capacity to lead from the front when it mattered most.

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Rise of Temba Bavuma at International Stage 

Temba Bavuma's recent outings against Sri Lankan bowlers painted a vivid picture of a batter adapting his game to varied challenges. Facing a diverse attack featuring pacers and spinners, Bavuma showcased moments of determination, occasional aggression, and a willingness to grind out runs. However, his overall performance was marked by inconsistency, as he faced difficulty finding rhythm against some bowlers while excelling against others.

Bavuma's excellence against the ace bowlers

Against the veteran Angelo Mathews, Bavuma was unusually subdued. In a solitary inning, he faced 12 deliveries without scoring, registering a strike rate of 0. Mathews' experience seemed to keep him in check, forcing Bavuma into a defensive shell. This particular contest highlighted how even accomplished batters can struggle to assert themselves against seasoned campaigners who exploit subtle variations.

Bavuma found some success against Asitha Fernando, collecting 42 runs in two innings, though at an average strike rate of 54.5. While he struck five boundaries, Fernando's disciplined line and length accounted for Bavuma’s wicket on both occasions. With a dot-ball percentage of 71.4, it was clear that Fernando's control often tied Bavuma down, preventing him from dominating. Yet, his highest score of 23 against Fernando suggested glimpses of intent to break free.

The standout battles were against Lahiru Kumara and Prabath Jayasuriya, where Bavuma displayed his composure. He amassed 54 runs against both bowlers, although the styles of play differed. Against Kumara's pace, Bavuma batted at an impressive strike rate of 77.1, scoring six boundaries and a six. His highest score of 32 against Kumara reflected his ability to counterattack. On the other hand, Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin posed a different challenge, and Bavuma responded with a patient 52 off 105 deliveries, even reaching a fifty. This performance underlined his adaptability in handling spin with a measured approach.

The rest of the bowlers, however, kept Bavuma relatively quiet. He managed just 20 runs off Vishwa Fernando's left-arm seam across two innings at a strike rate of 31.2, with Fernando’s nagging accuracy reflected in his 73.4% dot-ball percentage. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis bowled only briefly to Bavuma but kept him in check. De Silva’s off-spin gave away just 9 runs in 14 balls, while Bavuma scored 4 runs off 3 balls against Mendis, capitalizing on rare scoring opportunities.

In summary, Temba Bavuma’s campaign against Sri Lanka was one of fluctuating fortunes. While he demonstrated skill and grit against the likes of Kumara and Jayasuriya, his struggles against Mathews and Asitha Fernando revealed areas for improvement. His performance highlighted both his technical acumen and the challenges posed by a disciplined bowling attack. Bavuma’s ability to anchor innings against spinners and counterattack against pacers remains a positive takeaway, but converting starts into more impactful contributions would be key to ensuring greater consistency in the future.

South African ODI captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out from the ODI series opener against Afghanistan due to illness. The stand-in captain's name has been announced for the ODI series opener. 

Afghanistan and South Africa are ready for the three-match ODI series in Sharjah. The ODI series opener will be played on Wednesday (September 18). 

ODI captain Temba Bavuma will miss the ODI series opener due to illness. The Cricket South Africa (CSA) hasn’t revealed any details, including his availability for the next fixtures.

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Aiden Markram will lead South Africa in the ODI series opener against Afghanistan

South African T20I captain Aiden Markram will lead South Africa for the ODI series opener against Afghanistan. The CSA has announced Markram as a stand-in captain for this ODI series.

UPDATE!

Proteas One-Day International (ODI) captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the first ODI against Afghanistan on Wednesday, 18 September due to illness.

Aiden Markram will be the stand-in captain.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/5mnr1lDOWy

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 17, 2024

The 29-year-old Markram has already led South Africa in 12 ODIs and 20 T20Is. He first led the South African ODI team in the last five games of the six-match home ODI series against India in 2018. Markram was the second youngest ODI captain for South Africa. 

In 2023, Markram led six more ODIs, including twice in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2023 in India. Last December, he led the Proteas ODI team for the last time during the three-match home ODI series against India. 

Under Markram’s leadership, the South African ODI team has won six matches and lost six games.  

Last June, the Markram-led South African team finished as the runners-up in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and United States. 

Afghanistan and South Africa are ready to meet outside the ICC tournaments

In the upcoming three-match ODI series in Sharjah, Afghanistan and South Africa will take on each other for the first time in international cricket outside the ICC tournaments. In their two previous ODI meetings, South Africa won by nine wickets and five wickets, respectively. 

After completion of the ODI series against Afghanistan, South Africa will play a two-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. 

On Monday, July 8th, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the West Indies starting on August 7. Experienced batter Temba Bavuma will lead the South African cricket team.

South Africa’s red-ball coach, Shukri Conrad announced the squad for the Tests starting on August 7 in Trinidad. Bavuma will lead the team after missing a game against India earlier this year. Most of the main players, who skipped the New Zealand series due to SA20 commitments are back. Three players from the second string team that played against New Zealand are also retained.

David Bedingham, who is in great form in the County Championship keeps his spot. Pacers Dane Paterson and off-spinner Dane Piedt also stay in the team. Matthew Breetzke, who scored 322 runs at an average of 46 in the domestic competition, gets his first Test call up and may replace Dean Elgar as a backup batter. Tristan Stubbs also stays in the red-ball team.

Marco Jansen is rested to manage his workload, and with Anrich Nortje focusing on T20Is, Dane Paterson is retained as an extra fast bowler alongside Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, and Gerald Coetzee.

“We have one new face, Matthew Breetzke, selected for his excellent performance last season. Resting Marco Jansen is to ensure his physical and mental well-being,” said Conrad in X.

The rest of the squad remains largely the same, with Ryan Rickelton returning as the second wicketkeeper, while Keegan Petersen is left out.

South Africa squad for West Indies Tests

Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne

South Africa registered a convincing win by 134 runs over Australia in the 10th match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 12. Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first.

Put into bat, Quinton de Kock smashed his second successive century in the tournament whereas Aiden Markram scored a quick fifty as well and they posted 311 runs in 50 overs. While chasing, Australia lost quick wickets in between and no other batter could manage to contribute much as well. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored with 46.

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Who said what after the match?

Temba Bavuma: I do think 311 was a couple over par, probably 290-300 was par. I guess I’m glad we lost the toss because we wanted to chase as well. I was scratchy with the bat, found it hard but Quinton (de Kock) needs to be given credit for the way he played. I think I’d be really greedy if I said there are things we can improve. It was almost the perfect game. The bowlers bowled really well, they have been under some slap but looking at all the phases, I think the guys really dominated.

I’ll take that as our second game. Need to acknowledge the batting effort, the bowling effort was all about being clinical. Lungi (Ngidi) taking the new ball and KG (Rabada) showing intensity is what we’re looking for. In our team, character is the biggest thing we’ve spoken about. You can’t overlook the good work we’ve done, let’s take the confidence and learnings. Let’s celebrate it and come back for the next one.”

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Pat Cummins: “I thought Quinton (de Kock) batted really well, couldn’t get a breakthrough. From where they were, we were quite happy with 310, thought it was chaseable. Looked like hard work out there tonight, their bowlers bowled really well, think it nipped around a bit more under lights. (On if it would’ve been easier to bat first) Really hard to say, if we want to be challenging in this tournament we need to find ways of performing regardless of batting first or second. Don’t think much needs to be said tonight, everyone’s hurting, we’ll try and take a couple of days off and then make amends to come back stronger in the next one. There’s a few things we need to tidy up.”

Quinton de Kock, who won the Player of the Match, said: “It was a great win for the boys, to be honest, we didn’t know how the pitch would play, we assessed the conditions beautifully and then applied ourselves well with the bat. The guys who spent time on the wicket, got a hand on the conditions and then used their scoring options. 311 was an above par score, I have played here for the Lucknow team (in the IPL), it becomes harder to bat second.

The wicket does change a bit. It was sweaty and humid, the bowlers were on top of their game, no real loose balls and they picked early wickets. I think we are keen to prove ourselves, we played well, but it’s just 2 games, the World Cup is a long tournament and games come quickly around, we will take it on a match-by-match basis.”

South Africa registered an emphatic 102-run win over Sri Lanka in the fourth match of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first. Put into bat, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram smashed quickfire centuries and posted a massive total of 428 in their allotted 50 overs.

While chasing, Sri Lanka lost two quick wickets. But Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka scored fifties but lack of contribution from others made things tough for them. And they eventually lost the game as well.

Who said what after the match?

Temba Bavuma said: “Happy. Wanted to win the game and that’s exactly what we did. It was a clinical performance and give us good confidence going into the next game. It did seamed a bit under lights, but the ball was coming on nicely and you could see how they (the batters) were able to use the pace nicely. It was all about adjusting to the conditions and we thought it is going to be a bit variable in the second half. If we can take these learnings and we need to adapt whatever is in front of us. Next game I don’t think (the pitch) is going to be too different. Quinton will be fine, didn’t take the field (in the second innings), but I think he will be fine (for the next game).”

Dasun Shanaka said: “I expected high scoring game today with the kind of batting line-up South Africa have. We missed our lengths and the execution wasn’t there. We should have kept them to somewhere around 370 and that would have been a bit manageable. We got some batters who were striking it really well, but there was too much to do. Missing those three bowlers (Chameera, Hasaranga and Theekshana) is huge, but that’s the part of the game, we have to move on and it’s an opportunity for others. We need to get our execution right in the next game.”

Aiden Markram, who won the Player of the Match said: “Feels fantastic. The platform was laid beautifully by Quinny and Rassie. Gave us the freedom. Some days it comes off, some days it doesn’t. Pretty clear with what’s expected of me as a batter. Like every other team, we try to play a positive brand of cricket. Initially you want to get a feel for the wicket. Ultimately it’s about backing your options. Happy with how it worked out. The wicket played really well. The ball was travelling. Feels good to be on the positive side of things. To start well was in the World Cup was important and something that we talked about.”

On Wednesday, February 1, England and South Africa will meet in the third and final One-Day International (ODI) of the three-match series at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley. After dismissing Temba Bavuma in the second One-Day International on January 29, all-rounder Sam Curran was given a demerit point and fined 15% of his match fee for “excessively celebrating.”

On Tuesday, the International Cricket Council made the decision regarding Sam Curran’s fine for breaking the code of conduct

Temba Bavuma assisted the team in chasing down the enormous target and scored 109 runs off 102 balls. With just one game remaining, the hosts won the series with an unbreakable 2-0 lead. After dismissing the South Africa captain in the 28th over, the left-arm pacer celebrated in the direction of Temba Bavuma.

The ICC’s code of conduct’s Article 2.5 was found to have been broken by Sam Curran. Since Curran admitted to the crime, there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and Adrian Holdstock, as well as third and fourth umpires Allahudien Paleker and Bongani Jele, made the accusation. Curran was fined by New Zealand match referee Jeff Crowe after an umpire’s report.

It was Curran’s first offense, and he faces a ban if he gets four or more demerit points within 24 months. Curran “excessively celebrated towards and in close proximity to the dismissed batter, being an action which had the potential to provoke an aggressive reaction from Bavuma,” as stated by the ICC, was found to have committed a level one violation of the ICC code of conduct.

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With figures of 1-60 from his ten overs, Sam Curran performed admirably with the ball. In the high-scoring match in which South Africa chased down the target with five balls remaining, the all-rounder was the bowler who was the second most economical.

South Africa vs England captain Jos Buttler revealed he is having to reacclimatise to one-day internationals as the world champions succumbed to their fifth straight defeat in the format. Buttler is widely regarded as one of the best white-ball batters in the world and has racked up 161 ODI appearances but only 19 of those have been in the three and half years since England won the World Cup.

Existing mainly on a diet of T20s recently – where he opens the batting instead of the middle-order role he performs in ODIs – Buttler admitted even a player of his calibre has to take time to adjust. South Africa anchored England’s 342 for seven with 94 not out off 82 balls but South Africa overhauled the total with five wickets and as many balls to spare to move into an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. “We’re not quite playing as well as we can,” he said. “Even myself, I’ve played a lot of 50-over cricket, I feel not quite used to the rhythm of the game. It’s more with the bat.

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South Africa vs England: Jos Buttler admits he needs to find his rhythm

“I’ve spent a lot of time recently playing T20 cricket at the top of the order and after 10 or 15 balls you’re ready to push the accelerator. In 50-over cricket that’s fine and you catch up and accelerate. South Africa, “Maybe it’s batting at five now. I’ve spent a lot of my career batting six and coming up the order if we’ve started really well. That’s for me to work out and remember and reconnect with things that work.” South Africa, There are several mitigating factors for their current slump, not least bulging schedules that has seen ODI cricket at the bottom of England’s priority list since they lifted their maiden world title.

England are frequently without some of their best players but Buttler was at pains to state he was not looking to make excuses and that improvement is a must ahead of their World Cup defence this year. “We’ve got to move with the times, the schedules are how they are,” he said. South Africa, “We just need to play a little bit better. South Africa anchored England’s 342 for seven with 94 not out off 82 balls but South Africa overhauled the total with five wickets and as many balls to spare to move into an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. “We’re not quite playing as well as we can,” he said. “Even myself, I’ve played a lot of 50-over cricket, I feel not quite used to the rhythm of the game. It’s more with the bat. “There’s ingrained confidence in the guys over a long period of time in white-ball cricket. But definitely it’s changing times as well, we’ve got to look forward.”

Buttler, though, was upbeat despite Sunday’s defeat in Bloemfontein, where Harry Brook helped lead England’s recovery from 33 for two with 80 from 75 balls – his maiden ODI fifty after a duck on debut. South Africa, “Maybe it’s batting at five now. I’ve spent a lot of my career batting six and coming up the order if we’ve started really well. That’s for me to work out and remember and reconnect with things that work.” South Africa, There are several mitigating factors for their current slump, not least bulging schedules that has seen ODI cricket at the bottom of England’s priority. “We’ve got to move with the times, the schedules are how they are,” he said.

Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of South Africa‘s all-format tour of England and two T20Is against Ireland picking up an elbow injury during the new T20Is in India. Keshav Maharaj and David Miller are named captains of the ODI and T20I sides respectively in Bavuma’s absence.

Bavuma was hurt while diving to complete a single in the fourth T20I against India and fell to his left side arm, injuring both soft tissue and bone. He won’t need any surgery and is supposed to require eight weeks to recover and is aiming to return for the World Cup.

The tour will mark the international comeback for Rilee Rossouw.

Rossouw, the 32-year-old batter, played the last of his 51 international games in October 2016 during the T20 World Cup in India. Very recently, he has gotten back to play in South Africa’s domestic setup and was the leading run-scorer in the last season’s provincial T20 tournament, while he is as of now third on the batting chart at the Vitality Blast.

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In the interim, 21-year-old speedy bowler Gerald Coetzee has received his maiden international call-up. Both Rossouw and Coetzee have been included exclusively in the T20I crews. Referring to responsibility management, Kagiso Rabada may be accessible for the T20 games. Right-arm quick bowler Gerald Coetzee procures a maiden T20 call-up.

The T20Is against England and Ireland are the last official  games South Africa are scheduled to play before the T20 World Cup. That squad will see a return for Andile Phehlukwayo, who missed the tour to India, and Aiden Markram, who missed the India series subsequent to contracting Covid-19. Tristan Stubbs, who appeared in India, held his place.

“The T20 format is a high priority for us at the moment, We are looking to give opportunities to players that we are interested in seeing and working out the best combinations, while also trying to balance our desire to maintain enough consistency within the set up that the players are used to playing together as a team by the time they reach Australia for the World Cup.”

 selection convener Victor Mpitsang said in a statement.

South Africa came back from defeat in a Centurion to spark a strong comeback after a tough period of Cricket. They came from the back to win the Test series, swept the ODI series, and had a string of players returning to action. The coach is in the middle of a racism allegation, and the board has been facing issues over the last two years, but a strong performance on the field will allow South Africa to rest for a while. Along with the off-field relaxations, South Africa has had a good amount of returns on the field, which are:

Quinton De Kock’s Return to Cricket and Runs

Following his retirement from Tests, South Africa may have had concerns regarding the future of Quinton De Kock. Quinton De Kock is a vital cog in the national side, and losing a player like him is huge, especially when he is in his prime. His performance and commitment in the limited-overs leg though would have impressed South Africa and allowed them to be at peace, seeing that they don’t have much to worry about. His free stroke play and aggressive batting came to light, and Quinton De Kock formed a strong partnership with Janneman Malan.

Lungi Ngidi’s Bowling Load

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Lungi Ngidi’s form has been a question over the last year. He has suffered with injuries and stamina. In his early days, Ngidi could bowl long spells, but fitness affected him. Through the tour though, Ngidi came back and bowled long spells again, bought back his heavy ball, and was tough to get away. With Ngidi back in form, Him along with the likes of Rabada, Nortje and Jansen can form a powerful bowling attack.

Andile Phehlukwayo’s silent but valuable spells

Andile Phehlukwayo is a key member of the limited overs sides, but isn’t to noticed. His ability to bowl quiet spells of medium pace, and hit runs in the back end of an innings often go unnoticed due to the flamboyance of his teammates. Despite the contributions from the others though, Phehlukwayo finished as the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series. He is still unnoticed, but his with his bowling style, Andile may be pleased to stay in the shadows and attack with his medium pace.

South Africa’s Middle-order Dominance

From a middle-order consisting of Faf Du Plessis, Ab De Villiers and JP Duminy, South Africa were left with a lot of rebuilding the last few years. They suffered a drop in talent, but the way the series went will impress them wildly. Centuries from Rassie Van Der Dussan and Temba Bavuma, along with some runs from David Miller helped establish South Africa’s middle-order strength, leaving them with a strong line-up ahead of future assignments.