Cricket South Africa on Thursday congratulated Proteas batter Temba Bavuma on playing his 50th test match in the opening match of the Betway test series against Bangladesh.
Since making his debut on Boxing Day of 2014 against West Indies in Gqeberha, the 31-year-old has racked up 2 418 test runs at an average of 33.58 and a high score of 102 not-out. He also has a century and 17 half-centuries to his name and has gained a strong reputation as one of the Proteas’ most reliable fielders with 26 catches under his belt.
Bavuma, who is also the Proteas’ white ball captain and test team vice-captain, has cemented his role as one of the great leaders of the team and commands respect with his quiet but strong demeanour.
CSA CEO, Mr Pholetsi Moseki extended the organisation’s congratulations to Bavuma, saying:
“On behalf of CSA, I would like to congratulate Temba on this wonderful milestone. To reach 50 test matches for your country is no small thing in a career that is only going from strength to strength.
“He has been a prolific character in the dressing room for our teams over the years and has become one of South Africa’s favourite sons.
Congratulations to Temba Bavuma for receiving his 50th Test cap for the #Proteas?? #SAvBAN #BetwayTestSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/X2hCA2Ct7n
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 31, 2022
“It has been a pleasure to watch his cricket grow, from his debut against the Windies, his maiden test century against England soon after, to him taking up the role of vice-captain of the test team and captain of the white-ball teams – he has served with a quiet grace that has assured us all that we have the right man for all of the roles he has taken on.
“Temba is also a role model both on and off the field and a credit to the organisation. He has not only been a servant of distinction of the game we all love, but a servant of the people of South Africa where he helps communities and assists in facilitating the unearthing and growth of future cricket stars through his own Temba Bavuma Foundation.
“We wish him many more test caps and even more runs in the future, starting with today’s very special fixture.”