Excited Bavuma looks forward to leading Proteas in Caribbean

South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma has expressed that he feels rejuvenated and eager as the team prepares for their upcoming tour to the West Indies next month.

The Proteas will engage in a two-Test match series followed by three T20 matches against the Windies.

Despite assembling a strong squad for the tour, Bavuma is aware of the challenges that await in the Caribbean. The Proteas last played a Test match in January, but many players were unavailable for that series.

Bavuma noted the recurring challenges faced by teams outside the big three cricketing nations.

“It’s a challenge that’s not necessarily unique to us and probably something that all the teams outside the big three face. It feels like we’re starting again and again as a team,” said Proteas captain Temba Bavima as per ESPNcricinfo.

“You can hear in terms of the conversations, there’s a lot of reminding ourselves of a philosophy, how we want to play and basically what our blueprint is to winning. It’s nothing that is unique to us as a South African team.”

“The challenge is we’ve just got to make it work with what we have. We don’t use it as an excuse. I think there’s definitely a lot of excitement from the guys and we’d like to focus on that excitement more than all the other uncontrollable.”

Bavuma had been sidelined due to a hamstring strain sustained during the Boxing Day Test against India, which ruled him out of the series.

Although he hasn't played for the Proteas this year, he participated in one SA20 match, two first-class games, and the CSA T20 Challenge.

Reflecting on his recovery, Bavuma said, "I’ve come out refreshed over the last couple of months of no cricket. It’s largely been about being in the gym and doing my rehab. Mentally and physically, it’s been tough, but I am quite refreshed and quite excited to have the opportunity again to be out there with the boys."