Bavuma’s long road to Lord’s: Proteas skipper eyes Test mace glory

It is very hard to compare the journey that Temba Bavuma has had to undertake to get to where he is now — leading the Proteas Test team ahead of next week’s World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s.

The 35-year-old has endured all kinds of challenges in his career, and many of them have had little to do with his on-field performances. He has faced abuse on social media when results have not gone his way, and received scant credit when he has single-handedly carried the team.

Considering his journey — and given that Bavuma has now proven himself to many of his critics — there is growing hope that the Test mace will be the first of many trophies he brings home during his tenure as captain. It seems the stars may finally be aligning for a man who has had to endure more hardship than celebration, to bring long-awaited glory to South African cricket — an environment that so desperately needs positive news.

Speaking to the media before boarding a flight to the UK last week, Bavuma admitted that winning the Test mace would bring meaning to everything he has gone through.

“It’s a key moment within my career as a leader. I think it will give credence to everything that I’ve gone through. There’s always that question at the back of your mind — ‘Is everything that you’re doing, everything that you’re going through, worth it?’” said Bavuma.

“But then, when you’re in moments like these, where you have the opportunity to do something special — not just for yourself but for the nation — it gives you a little bit of motivation and comfort that everything that you’re going through is worth it.”

Similarly, for many senior players in the Test team — such as Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram and Keshav Maharaj — who have endured a tough rebuilding phase marked by the loss of sponsors and South Africa’s fall from grace as a top Test side, winning the mace would be a worthy reward for their resilience.

“I think it’s a key moment for a lot of us within the team. A lot of the guys put a lot of significance behind Test cricket. When we speak about a legacy that we want to leave behind, Test cricket is right there at the top,” said Bavuma.

“We’re embracing everything that’s to come. We’d love there to be that kind of fairytale story in the result. But in terms of just savouring it all, enjoying the moment, and looking to play your best cricket — that really doesn’t change.

“But yes, for me, for the team, and for the coach as well, I think winning the Test mace is right up there among the biggest moments of our careers.”

Bavuma was injured after the ICC Champions Trophy and missed the tail end of the Four-Day Series at home. As a result, some may be concerned about his form or lack of game time ahead of the WTC final.

However, those who follow the game closely will recall that Bavuma returned from a nearly three-month layoff last year — having missed the Bangladesh tour — only to score two centuries and three fifties in seven innings during the home summer.

The 35-year-old also showed promising form in Arundel on Wednesday, cruising to an unbeaten 58 during the warm-up match against Zimbabwe.

“I feel like I’m moving nicely. The eyes haven’t gone as of yet — which becomes a problem when you’re 35,” Bavuma joked.

“But yes, I still feel good mentally. Mentally, I feel fresh — that’s the biggest thing. Physically, I keep managing my elbow. The hamstrings are good. So, I’m good to go,” he concluded.