Proteas batters in the runs again, Bavuma gets time in middle

The Proteas have set a Cricket Australia Invitation XI a target off 425 to win their tour match on day four in Brisbane on Monday.

This after the Proteas scored 304/8 declared in their second innings on Sunday, to go with their first innings of 347. The Aussie invitation side responded in their first innings with a score of 226.

The good news for the Proteas is that Temba Bavuma, who didn’t bat in the first innings because he was apparently nursing his sore elbow, batted on Sunday, scoring 28 off 92 balls.

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The main contributors were Rassie van der Dussen, with 95, Theunis de Bruyn with 88, and Khaya Zondo with 37.

De Bruyn said it was good to see Bavuma out in the middle.

“When you look at his career, he’s one of those characters who’ve stood out when the team have needed him,” said De Bruyn.

“Temba’s gone through his own journey this year, but he looked calm out there which was nice to see. We’re all going to have to be up for it when the contest starts (the Test series), and I think we are.”

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De Bruyn himself, who is back in the team for a second spell after first playing for the Proteas some years ago, has a big role to play in the three-Test series.

‘Holy Grail’

“I’ve matured as a cricketer and as a person since the first time,” he said.

“Then, at 24, our team was so strong and I’d come in for someone who’d miss out because their first baby was being born, or I’d get a crack at Lord’s … and you’re always fighting to score runs to just make the next Test.

“It was a bit of a rat race, and wasn’t my time. I’m not saying this is my time, but I’m here and I’ve got a chance again. Playing here in a Test series is a box you want to tick.

“A Test series in Australia is the Holy Grail. I’m privileged to be here. It’s like being a rugby player and wanting to be a Springbok to get the chance to face the All Blacks … this is the same for South African cricketers.”

The series starts with the first Test in Brisbane on December 17.