Temba Bavuma has an assembly of critics and naysayers gathered against him, so the Proteas captain said a brilliant century to set the series-clinching win over England in the second ODI, and a passionate celebration, they are a reminder that he belongs.
After completing his third ODI century in the 21st innings, off just 90 balls, Bavuma did his trademark leap in the air, but then pointed to his name on the back of his shirt and flashed the Proteas badge on the front.
The captain finished with 109 from 102 deliveries, laying the platform for South Africa’s pursuit of the third highest in ODIs, solid contributions from the rest of the batting line-up took them to a target of 343 with five balls to spare.
Read more: Bavuma century makes Proteas win & silences critics
“It was an emotional moment and the celebration was unplanned,” Bavuma said. “It’s a reminder to me and everyone that I’m still here and I deserve to be here.
“Maybe up there with one of the better hundreds. Chasing 343, you have to play well and, as captain, you want to lead from the front and inspire the guys through your performance.
“I think it’s a good field and I know that I have to go out and play, there’s a chance, it’s encouraging to run with a lot to chase. I’m trying to be as brave as I can.
“You’ve been on a crazy emotional rollercoaster for the past few months and it’s possible to let it go. As much as you try to block out the outside noise, it finds a way to affect you. The biggest thing is how it affects your family and the people around you,” said Bavuma.
It can be profitable
The gutsy opener could also benefit from a live chat with the standing white-ball coach, and new Test mentor, Shukri Conrad, before the start of the series.
“I have worked with Shuks before and I can be vulnerable to the coach about where I see myself,” Bavuma said. “He helped me get rid of all the nonsense in my head.
“It was more about him lending an ear and validating the feelings I had, so I could heal. Shuks was not a therapist, but the clarity and honesty he gave me.
“So I was really mentally in the series. Being away from the game, at home, for the last two weeks also helped, I was mentally fresh, with a clear head, after going through some self-reflection.
“We all have ups and downs in life, the difference is that we are all in the public eye and everyone wants you. But I am a firm person and you have to block the noise,” said Bavuma.
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