Historic Proteas victory cements Bavuma’s name

“I THINK now I'm probably a lot more assured of myself as a person, as a captain, of what I'm trying to do out there.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

”That is how Proteas captain Temba Bavuma reacted having masterminded the Proteas’ 2-0 clean sweep of India after their mammoth 408-run victory in the second Test in Guwahati yesterday. It is the Proteas’ first series win in India since the late Hansie Cronje’s side triumphed 25 years ago at the turn of the millennium.

Having become the first South African captain in twenty seven years to lift a global ICC trophy at Lord’s a few months ago, when he guided his team to World Test Championship success, the victory in India marks another milestone for Bavuma who is fast etching his name into the annals of South African cricket history.

The journey to this summit has been challenging for Bavuma as the first Black African Proteas captain, but the skipper can now bask in the glory of success.

This is the backdrop to the holistic significance of the Proteas’ first series victory in India in 25-years yesterday in Guwahati. This was not just a team playing against a formidable opponent, but also history and the powers-that-be that have kept their foot on South Africa’s throat for years.