New Proteas limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma plots a new path for SA

New Proteas limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma wants the team to play an aggressive brand of cricket that can be executed under different conditions and on any occasion.

The 30-year-old Langa-born Bavuma will lead SA for the first time in the limited-overs series against Pakistan that starts in Centurion on Friday after his appointment as white ball captain early this month.

“I think if you look at SA‚ we have always been a more than competitive ODI unit even to a point where the guys have got us to number one‚” said Bavuma in his maiden captain's press conference on Monday.

“So I think for me it is really just to try to find that style of play and create something that makes us accountable to something and, most importantly‚ be able to execute that style of play in any conditions and on under any occasion.

“I think for me that is where my thinking is.

“I guess mentally as well‚ it is something that we need to improve a lot on in terms of getting stronger.

“But I think it is more to define that style of play and being able to execute it under any conditions.”

Bavuma will oversee the 2021 ICC Twenty20 World Cup in India in October and November‚ another Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in 2022 and the 50-over World Cup in 2023.

The soft-spoken leader will usher in his leadership tenure when the Proteas take on Misbah ul-Haq’s Pakistan in the first of the three Betway ODIs at SuperSport Park at 10am.

“I think we have the opportunity now building up to the 2023 World Cup to really define our style of play and how we want to go about our business‚” said Bavuma.

“For me personally I just want to enjoy the journey‚ to enjoy this new chapter in my book. I look forward to creating and adding value within the team.”

The Proteas will play three ODIs that will be followed by four T20 matches with all games played at Centurion and at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

“I think the mood in the camp has been rather optimistic. I guess it is always nice to get new faces‚ guys being rewarded for their performances and talent that they have showed domestically.

“I guess from the senior guys as well it is always nice to have new guys in the team‚ guys that will be pushing you‚ who will ensure that you are showing off your best.”

Bavuma also made mention of their women counterparts‚ the Momentum Proteas‚ who have been blazing a trail in India with historic ODI and T20 series triumphs.

“We have been very much inspired by the efforts of our women over the last while. We have our own experiences of playing in India and the results and efforts by the women is something we respect as the men’s team.

“We will definitely be looking to ride that wave and put in wonderful performances for the team [against Pakistan].”