South Africa’s Temba Bavuma walks back to the pavilion after losing his wicket for 32 runs on the final day of the third Test match between England and South Africa at The Oval cricket ground in London on July 31, 2017. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /
Temba Bavuma determined to put cricket ahead of everything else
Temba Bavuma believes the conversation around him has long moved on from issues of race.
South Africa’s Temba Bavuma walks back to the pavilion after losing his wicket for 32 runs on the final day of the third Test match between England and South Africa at The Oval cricket ground in London on July 31, 2017. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) /
Proteas batsman Temba Bavuma has revealed in an interview with The Telegraph, that he would prefer his cricket took centre stage ahead of issues that come with being a black African player in the national setup.
What is undoubtedly a critical season for the Test vice-captain, has kicked off with the worst possible start as he is set to miss out on the Boxing Day Test against England, at Supersport Park, in Centurion.
This is after a hip strain ruled him out for ten days, paving the way for a possible debut for Lions teammate Rassie van der Dussen.
Carrying the nation’s hopes
Speaking to the publication, Bavuma admitted that he was not oblivious to the added pressure that comes with being someone in his position.
“I am a black African, and I am a batter. I am conscious there is a scarcity of those sorts of players in South Africa,” Bavuma told ‘The Telegraph‘.
“I realise that every time I step out there, I am carrying the hopes of many people.
“I appreciate that this aspect is part of my narrative, but I feel the conversation has moved on.
“It’s not that I am not oblivious to the broader issues [of class and race in the country], but I am a cricketer first and foremost, and I am paid to score runs.”
Temba Bavuma
Despite having rescued the team from a precarious position on several occasions, Bavuma feels that his ability with the bat often takes the backseat, with the conversation about his race hogging the spotlight.
“I think the cricket gets forgotten,” he said.
“I would like people to speak more about what I do with a bat in my hand.”
Temba Bavuma
He has likened his plight to that of Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi, whose race and background seemed to be more of interest than his contribution to the team’s cause on the field.
“It comes with the territory,” Bavuma said with a shrug.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re uncomfortable with it or not. We have to accept that it is what it is.”
Temba Bavuma
Important season for Temba Bavuma
The Test series against England comes after a wretched period in white clothing for the 29-year-old, whose already humble batting average – which has attracted countless detractors – dipped even lower after slim pickings against Sri Lanka and India.
Unlike the two Asian nations, which he averages below 20 against, he has enjoyed decent returns against his next opponents, crossing the 50 mark four times in 15 innings which includes what remains his only Test century, which came in 2016.
Triple figures have since eluded him, despite coming agonisingly close on more than one occasion.
He is keen to overcome those post-50 jitters and take his game to the next level.
“I’ve had plenty of opportunities to score hundreds, but for some reason, I have struggled to convert,” he said.
“I’m seen as a gritty player; the guy who can walk in with the score at 50 for four and dig the team out of a hole. But from a personal perspective, I want to score those match-turning hundreds. If I’d managed to convert even half of those fifties, the story would be different.”
Temba Bavuma
