BAVUMA SOUNDS WARNING Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma has sounded a warning for the World Test Championship final against Australia. Photo: Randy Brooks/AFP
Image: Randy Brooks/AFP
Given the chance to heap praise on the Proteas for completing four Test wins in a row on home soil, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma instead pointed out his charges still have some way to go to reach their potential.
In fact, after the 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka last month and winning the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan it meant South Africa had already booked their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The Proteas would go on to cap off their fine run with a 10-wicket win over Pakistan in the New Year’s Test against Pakistan.
The win was built on SA’s first innings total of 615, but on a batting-friendly wicket in Cape Town the Proteas were able to bowl out the visitors twice to secure the victory.
“As much as we've gotten the success, I don't think we are a well-oiled machine if I could put it that way. I think you've seen in certain phases of the game how we let the game go too much in the opposition's favour, and then it normally takes some form of brilliance for us to bring it back,” said Bavuma.
“When you play against top sides in the game, you can't exactly allow that. But I think when you speak about the special factor within the team, it's our ability to bring it back. So one thing for me that stands out, is our ability to find a way.”
Facing Australia in the WTC final at Lord’s in June, Bavuma did, however, send something of a warning.
“But I think we're still on a journey as a team. I don't think we are close to us playing at 100%,” said Bavuma.
“I guess it will be scary when we are kind of firing on all cylinders. But I think, like I said, winning is what we play for.”