Temba Bavuma CSA

Temba Bavuma has vowed to prepare “even better” for the second Test against the West Indies after a pair of ducks on his debut as captain. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

Temba Bavuma insists there is no bad blood with Dean Elgar

The Proteas new Test skipper Temba Bavuma says that he has a good relationship with outgoing captain Dean Elgar.

Temba Bavuma CSA

Temba Bavuma has vowed to prepare “even better” for the second Test against the West Indies after a pair of ducks on his debut as captain. Photo: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

The Proteas new Test skipper Temba Bavuma says that he has a good relationship with outgoing captain Dean Elgar.

Temba Bavuma denies rift in the camp

ALSO READ: Tazmin Brits – From shattered Olympic dreams to World Cup hero

Elgar wasn’t given the longest stint as skipper but the whitewash suffered in Australia proved the last straw.

Bavuma says that Elgar still has a big role to play in the Test side.

ALSO READ: Proteas skipper Sune Luus believes the trophy is in reach

The Proteas skipper faced the press for the first time ahead of the series against West Indies.

He didn’t take kindly to suggestions there might be a rift in the dressing room.

ALSO READ: Kyle Verreynne needs to bin the wicketkeeping gloves ASAP

“The question about my relationship with Dean, I think it’s a bit of a naughty one because there is nothing amiss and there is nothing wrong in my relationship with Dean,” Bavuma said according to Times LIVE.

“Dean and I have always been good teammates and I have always looked up to him as a senior player. He helped me to settle within the team and I don’t see how things can change with whatever changes have been made from a leadership point of view.

ALSO READ: Axed Proteas batsman sends a message

“I have had discussions with Dean and there is nothing between me and Dean that anybody needs to be worried or concerned about.”

Venturing into the unknown

Bavuma Proteas
Temba Bavuma. Photo: Gallo Images

Bavuma said that he expects pressure to be a constant during his tenure as skipper.

“Pressure that comes with Test captaincy, I don’t know what type is going to be but I have been in international cricket for a number of years and all I know is pressure. In Test cricket it is different and I guess it is something that I will have to experience and take along my journey.”

Temba Bavuma relishes special job

Bavuma says that he is honoured to have been chosen to lead this side.

“First and foremost the dream was always to play Test cricket, I have lived the dream but the opportunity of leading the team is a lot more special. It means a lot to me, to my family and people who have supported and have been with me on this journey. It is a special one.”

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY JAMES RICHARDSON