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It is a little disappointing for the South Africa captain, Temba Bavuma, as they get a very limited number of Test matches in a calendar year. The winner of the previous edition of the World Test Championship (WTC), so far, has played only 4 matches in the Whites in the ongoing cycle of the title race, while Australia, the current table topper, has played 8 games in the format.
Temba Bavuma clearly mentions that when they get to watch the other leading teams engage in high-profile games, they feel some jealousy as they have played only a few matches so far in the recent past.
Temba Bavuma-led South Africa is waiting for more challenges in Tests
Bavuma says that it will be very nice for them, and they are waiting to be on the leading forces like the Indian national cricket team in the format. Irrespective of the result of the series, Bavuma wants to engage himself in the grind of a Test match.
He believes that, along with the cricketers on the ground, the fans will also enjoy the rivalry between the two teams, as it is expected to see well-balanced cricket when the top two teams collide one against another.
We watched with a bit of jealousy: Temba Bavuma
The multi-day format always comes with a hint of uncertainty. During the course of five days, a lot of things can happen, and momentum can shift at any juncture of the match. So Temba Bavuma earnestly believes that Test matches between two heavyweight teams should be arranged.
“We woke up this morning to watch the Ashes. We watched with a bit of jealousy, knowing that they were playing five Tests. They’ll be going at each other. Look, however the series goes, 1-1, 2-0, it would be nice for a three-Test series against a formidable team like the India national cricket team,” the South Africa Test team captain Temba Bavuma said via SA Press.
“And it’s just good for the fans, really, when people get to see good cricket, one team dominating, another team dominating. But there is also an opportunity for one team to come out as victors,” he added.
Upcoming Test matches for South Africa in 2026
This year, the South African cricket team is scheduled to play multiple Test matches, which will be very crucial to shape the WTC points table. In October, they will be up against Australia for a 3-match Test series, and in November, the Proteas will have to face Bangladesh for a 2-match Test series, followed by a couple of one-off Tests against England before the end of 2026.
As of now, South Africa is ranked second in the WTC points table with 75.00 PCT and 36 points in 4 matches. In those four games, they claimed 3 wins and one draw. Australia, currently at the top of the points table, also remains undefeated after playing 8 Tests. With 7 wins and one draw, the Aussies have 87.50 PCT and 84 points. In the final of the previous edition, South Africa claimed the mace.
