Bavuma ready to ‘exceed expectations’ with Proteas in WTC final

Proteas Test Captain Temba Bavuma said he was happy that his team was able to block out the criticism and exceed expectations by making the World Test Championship Final in June.

South Africa will face its most fierce southern-hemisphere rival - Australia, at Lord’s in England, following a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in December last year.

The Proteas skipper said he’s happy with where they are as a team and need to lean more into the processes that make them a winning unit.

“I am very happy with our performances, the fact that we are in the final,” Bavuma said.

“If you look at the way we performed as a young inexperienced side going away from home and putting in performances like that with individuals as well stepping up.

“There has been growth that has happened. If you look at us in January or February (2024), not a lot of people would have backed us to get to this point.

“I think we have exceeded a lot of expectations. So I am very happy with where we are as a team.”

The Proteas have come under fire in recent years over their tactics and results from open play but Bavuma said keeping the noise out of the changeroom was important to their success.

“It was always important for us as a team to stick to what our vision is and to always keep looking inward. We know what our processes are.

“At the beginning our processes weren’t super clear but as soon as we started seeing success, we started to understand what the reason behind that success is, so we will stick to that.

“There will always be noise around the team but it is important that we don't allow negativity to filter within the team. But if it does come then we will deal with it.”

South Africa’s track record in finals have not been the best which has earned them a bit of negative public scrutiny but the young side has earned a shot at redemption by putting themselves in a final with the Aussies.

Having the weight of a country on their shoulders and being in a final with cricketing prowerhouse like Australia does come with its own challenges, however, the skipper said:

“I think that will bring about a certain level of pressure but that's what expectation does.

“It is important that we don’t doubt what we have done to get to this point and we really just stick to our processes.

“It is important that we have those conversations and say ‘guys we do have a bit of a target on our back’.

“I think we have won seven now so people are going to be expecting and Australia won’t come easy to us. We will keep putting our best foot forward and ensuring the result is in our favour.”

The next time the Proteas don all white will be at the final, whereas Australia have a tour of Sri Lanka coming up, which could give them an advantage going into the game.

But Bavuma believes the Aussies will also take a bit of a hiatus from Test cricket before the final, leaving not much cause for concern.

“I think if it is a disadvantage then it doesn't exist just with us, Australia as well don't have any cricket,” said the captain.

“They just have the Sri Lanka series but for a couple of months they are not going to have any cricket so I think both teams are going to have to deal with that.

“We have got guys in the IPL so any cricket is good cricket right?

“We got guys playing county and getting accustomed to those conditions but I think in those weeks before when we get together will be very important and how quickly we are able to settle.

“We would like to select our best team by having all the guys present and available for that clash.”

“I think the mental aspect is the biggest thing. From a skill point of view, yes it will be different playing in England especially the batters so getting used to the conditions will be important.”

The Proteas also have the Champions Trophy to look forward to in a few weeks, with the first match against Afghanistan on February 22.

Bavuma urged all Proteas pace bowlers to get their passports in order, as they could receive a call up to join the squad in the UAE and Pakistan.

“We are going to have to, even if it means doing it the hard way. Like any South African team, that is what we are going to have to do,” said Bavuma.

“A guy like Anrich (Nortje) would have been pivotal. I think Gerald Coetzee was also in line as a replacement and he is also on that list so they are going to have to manage them as best as they can.

“If they are injuries, they can be mended before February 11 because I think that's when the squad needs to go in. I said it earlier, if I was a fast bowler in the South African system I’d make sure that my passport is ready and I’m ready for that call.”