South Africa Coach Says Temba Bavuma Could Be Their Next Test Captain

Temba Bavuma may not be part of the playing XI in the ongoing Test series against England but as per assistant coach Enoch Nkwe, he could be Faf du Plessis’ replacement as South Africa Africa’s Test captain in future. Bavuma, who missed the opening Test of the series due to a hip injury, was later kept out of the second Test and was sent back to play domestic cricket.

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He hasn’t been recalled for the third and is confirmed to sit out of the fourth Test as well. Still, he remains to be a candidate to lead South Africa in future.

“In my mind, yes. I can see that happening. But he does understand that he needs to put in some performances. The future could be in a year’s time, it could be in two years’ time, we don’t know. Having worked with him in the last year-and-a-half, he has got the qualities, there’s no question around that. I wouldn’t be surprised if, after Faf, he takes over. That will be great for South African cricket,” Nkwe told ESPNcricinfo.

Bavuma has played 39 Tests so far but only has one century. Barring his run-out effort to dismiss David Warner, there is no other spectacular performance that he is remembered for and surprisingly, he also failed to make it to the playing XI even after getting fit for the second Test.

Bavuma remains to be in the scheme of things but he will first have to make his return into the playing XI before stepping up for Plessis.

Meanwhile, England and South Africa lock horns in the third Test of the series in Port Elizabeth from Thursday. Both the teams have won one Test match each and are eyeing to gain a lead in the penultimate Test.

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England will miss out on the services of senior pacer Jame Anderson as he has been ruled out of the series due to rib issue. Mark Wood and Jofra Archer lead the race to replace him in the playing XI. With Jack Lech returning home, Dom Bess is also confirmed to keep his place in the playing XI. South Africa might go in with the same combination.