Share

Height not an issue for Bavuma

Cape Town - Temba Bavuma stands 162cm tall - a little more than 5-foot-3. 

And while that makes his comfortably the shortest batsman in the Proteas line-up that will do battle against England in Durban on Boxing Day, the 25-year-old is not concerned about the extra bounce and zip that could accompany the Kingsmead wicket. 

"It has been posed as a question before ... most people see it as a challenge that I face being smaller in stature," Bavuma said on Wednesday.

"But I’ve become accustomed to everything ... my technique is honed around my size and everything I do for me just feels natural ... when the ball bounces a bit more off a good length that’s normal to me; that’s something I expect.

"I’ve learnt to work with what I have."

Bavuma will return to the middle order on Saturday after opening in the fourth and final Test against India in Delhi last month. He left that match with scores of 22 and 34, and while he showed good application in trying conditions, the selectors have given Stiaan van Zyl another chance at the top of the order.

"I’m more accustomed to it (middle order). I’ve done it most of my first class career," said Bavuma.

"I think it’s something I’ll be a bit more comfortable with and used to. I enjoyed the experience of opening in India … obviously the conditions are different to what we have here.

"But I think the middle-order is where I’m probably most suited for the team right now."

Bavuma is likely to come in at No 7 behind JP Duminy, and this series presents a massive opportunity for him to silence any critics and prove that he belongs on the international stage.

"Every series for me is big," he said.

"One of my goals is to try and establish myself as one of the regulars in the team, so getting this opportunity here in Durban to fulfil that is quite big for me."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
50% - 9 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
50% - 9 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE