India triumph is 'another incredible achievement for us', says Proteas captain Temba Bavuma

Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma has hailed his team’s first series in India for 25 years as “massive”.

The tourists completed a 408-run victory over their hosts on the fifth and final day in Guwahati to seal a comprehensive 2-0 clean sweep. 

Bavuma had not played Test cricket since the Proteas’ WTC Final triumph at Lord’s back in June, but made a significant impact in the first Test especially at Eden Gardens with a fighting second innings half-century to put his team into the lead. 

They took plenty of confidence from thereon to deliver an emphatic performance in Guwahati. 

“It's massive. For me personally being out of the game for a couple of months for injury. It's not everyday you can think of coming to India and win 2-0. As a group we've had top days and we know how tough we can be. It's another incredible achievement for us,” Bavuma said. 

There has been plenty of derision about the Proteas’ World Test champion status due to the fact they never played an away series against Pakistan or India enroute to claiming the ICC golden mace.

But they have now managed to secure a 1-1 series in Pakistan followed by this epic triumph in India. 

“This answers some questions that were posed to us as a group. Big shift in our mindset in terms of what we want to do out there and adapt accordingly. Our preparation was apt, the guys were clear on their roles, as a unit the biggest thing was guys wanting to contribute. There was a strong sense that anyone can contribute on their day, even guys coming from the bench like (Senuran) Muthusamy,” he said.

“As a team we're in a good space and it will grow our confidence even more. Clarity and communication is a big thing in the group, who stands where and what's expected from them.”

The standout performer for the Proteas during this Indian series was spin bowler Simon Harmer. The off-spinner claimed 17 wickets in the series at a mind-boggling average of 8.94.

“Simon has the experience of playing here in 2015, as a spinner he has wealth of experience. He complements Keshav really well, he's on the taller side,” Bavuma said.

“I appreciate the competitiveness between the two spinners, Simon was the man for us in this series. A guy like Simon, and everyone stepping up speaks about what they want to do for the team.”