South Africa’s unbeaten Test captain Temba Bavuma is set to return for the second ODI of the series against India. After the historic Test series whitewash, skipper Bavuma rested for the series opener in Ranchi. On the eve of the second ODI in Raipur, he was asked about a longer bilateral series against teams like India in the red-ball format. The 35-year-old hopes that the people in power work something out to schedule a longer Test series in the next cycle as he may retire in a few years.
“All of us have been crying for more cricket especially against the top nations... Those are for, I guess, the people in suits, the Cricket South Africa," Bavuma said in the pre-match press conference.
“Some of us are getting a little bit old, so we're not going to go too long to make another four match Test series against India,” he added with a smile on his face.
Bavuma lauds all-rounder Jansen
Meanwhile, Bavuma lauded his in-form teammate Marco Jansen who has been showcasing his batting prowess on the tour. After a 95-run knock in Guwahati Test, he contributed with a 39-ball 70 in the run chase in ODI series opener.
“From an all-rounder point of view, I don't know where the rankings sit (but) I am sure Marco Jansen, in any one of the formats will definitely be in a top 10... He is only growing into his own and becoming a lot more comfortable under his skin,” the veteran batter said.
While India won the first ODI by 17 runs, Bavuma feels that there was not much to separate the two sides.
“We were 15 runs (17) short of them... India played well, their two stalwarts stood up but we were not too far off," he said.
Who will Bavuma replace in playing XI?
It will be interesting to see who Bavuma replaces in the side for the second ODI. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton recorded ducks whereas Matthew Breetzke revived the run chase with a 72-run knock. Tony de Zorzi got a start but he was dismissed for a 35-ball 39.