Temba Bavuma is leading South Africa against Australia in ICC WTC 2023-25 final.
South Africa are clashing with Australia in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final at the Lord’s. During the 282-run chase in the final innings, the Proteas have gained a dominating edge by crossing the 200-run mark on the scoreboard with the loss of just two wickets.
On the back of Aiden Markram’s century (102*) and Temba Bavuma’s (65*) fifty, the Proteas reached 213/2 at stumps on day 3. They just need 69 more runs to end their 27-year drought of an ICC title and win their first-ever ICC WTC title.
Notably, Bavuma struggled with a hamstring injury while batting in the afternoon session of day 3. However, he did not leave the field and lent superb support to Markram. Both the batters etched a 143-run partnership for the third wicket at the end of day 3 to set the stage for South Africa’s victory during the mammoth chase.
Revealed: Why Temba Bavuma continued batting despite hamstring injury
Following day three’s play, South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince revealed why Bavuma continued to bat despite his hamstring issue during the match. Notably, the coaches asked the SA skipper to retire hurt during the tea break, however, the latter insisted on continuing batting. Later, he also slammed five boundaries during his knock.
Prince revealed how Markram had a chat with Bavuma to showcase their best efforts in the fight for the title. He credited unity between SA players as a key to Bavuma’s commitment to bat despite the hamstring injury.
“As soon as Aiden and Temba came up the stairs, he said we need to do the same tonight as we always do, and tomorrow we do the same warm-up. It’s the same processes. We understand the magnitude and what’s at stake, but now we stay calm,” he said.
“It is not done yet, but he has had to fight throughout his career, and this could be a defining moment for his career. It is the biggest stage in Test cricket. He is tough, Aiden has great respect for Temba, and I think this team’s greatest asset is the unity,” he added.
The SA batting coach also added that their players have a special bond in the dressing room, which helps them drag each other in tough situations.
“You only have to look at how they celebrate a wicket to understand that. They are all aware that South Africa have had greater individual players, but they have something special going on in the dressing room, and it helps them drag each other along,” he further added.
Talking about the match, Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl first. The Pat Cummins & Co. piled up 212/10 in the first innings. Later, South Africa were bowled out for 138. With Mitchell Starc’s fifty, Australia put up 207/10 in the second innings to set up a challenging chase for the opposition at the Lord’s.
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