Temba Bavuma has established himself among the great Test captains of the modern era, writes RYAN VREDE.
It was deeply moving to watch Bavuma’s reaction as the winning runs of the World Test Championship final were scored. He dropped his head into his hands and sat motionless while all around him celebrated wildly.
He later gave insight into his emotions at that moment, explaining: “It’s not easy being captain of South Africa, but all the sacrifices, all the disappointment, feel worth it. Giving up is always an option. It’s always there at the back of your mind, but something kind of holds you on. For me, it was that moment there — to be recognised as more than just a black African cricketer, but to be seen as someone who’s done something that the country has wanted.”
With Bavuma’s framing of the moment — the achievement — it’s easy to understand the accompanying emotion. Firstly, he has carried the weight of underachievement in other formats, particularly a wretched 2023 World Cup campaign, for some time.
I described his output there as “lacking in the requisite temperament or talent, as a batsman or captain, to withstand the pressure of a white-ball World Cup.”
That was an observation supported by his woeful batting form and confounding decisions as captain.
Two years later, Bavuma oversaw another disappointing tournament performance — this time crashing out in the Champions Trophy semi-finals to New Zealand. I singled out the failings of coach Rob Walter, who has since been sacked, though Bavuma’s captaincy decisions were once again puzzling.
That criticism was a reflection of the present. Yet in an age where “receipts” are kept by those who abandon context and nuance, Bavuma’s Test competency somehow erases his white-ball failings. Wild.
Indeed, his leadership aptitude and batting competency in Test cricket — particularly since taking over the captaincy in 2023 — is unquestionable. He is unbeaten as a Test captain and on a streak bettered only by legendary England skipper Mike Brearley. His form during that period has been exceptional: he averaged nearly 60 in the WTC cycle, with two hundreds and five fifties.
His second innings at Lord’s, viewed through a statistical lens alone, doesn’t capture the fullness of its significance. He exhibited defensive defiance and controlled aggression in equal measure — all with a hamstring held together by strapping and hope. Despite this significant physical hindrance, Bavuma chased quick singles and availed himself for twos when they were on. At tea on the third day, he wouldn’t entertain his coach’s suggestion that he retire, despite his obvious discomfort.
Comparisons were made between Bavuma’s resilience in the face of injury and that of former skipper Graeme Smith’s effort with a broken hand in Sydney, 2009. I interviewed Smith upon his return and wrote the cover story for SA Cricket magazine, in which I described his effort as “heroic”.
But to compare the two betrays logic. Bavuma’s innings (in partnership with Aiden Markram) played a significant role in winning the Test for South Africa. The magnitude of the occasion amplified its significance. Smith’s innings was an act of defiance and exemplary leadership that should never be forgotten — but South Africa had already won the series. Any comparison doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. I think Smith would acknowledge this.
Smith’s Test teams twice topped the rankings — in 2009 and 2012 — but those teams were laden with the type of world-class talent that Bavuma simply doesn’t have. For Bavuma to lead this team through 10 unbeaten Tests speaks to his ability to unite a group for a common goal, and to wring every ounce of talent from them.
In past criticism of Bavuma as a white-ball captain, I’ve written that teams take their cues from the leader. As a Test skipper, he has led with a depth of calm and tactical certainty and, critically, has consistently set a standard through the quality of his batting performances.
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In the wake of the final, praise has poured in for Bavuma. He deserves it all. There can be no hyperbole, such is the magnitude of what he has achieved.
Finally, as Bavuma alluded to at the post-match presser, it was indeed a moment to be recognised as more than just a black African cricketer. That role remains important in the context of him being a reference point for young, black African cricketers. But it doesn’t entirely define who he is.
He is a world champion — and in becoming that, he has established himself as one of the great Test captains of the modern era.
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Photo: Paul Harding/Gallo Images
