‘Nice momentum ahead of World Cup’ – Temba Bavuma after South Africa's come-from-behind series win against Australia

What could be termed as a thrilling conclusion to their five-match ODI series against Australia, South Africa captain, Temba Bavuma, expressed his satisfaction with the momentum his team has generated as they gear up for the 2023 ODI World Cup. The Proteas secured a dramatic victory over the Aussies, winning the series 3-2 after a resounding 122-run triumph in the final match. South African all-rounder, Marco Jansen, emerged as the star of the show, showcasing his prowess with both bat and ball.

Jansen's explosive batting performance was pivotal in South Africa's recovery from a sluggish start. He blazed his way to a rapid 47 off just 23, enabling his team to set a formidable target of 316 runs for Australia. But Jansen's contribution didn't end there; he proved equally deadly with the ball, bagging an impressive five wickets for a mere 39 runs in his eight-over spell. 

The 33-year-old acknowledged the intense pressure applied by the Australian team during the series, emphasizing the importance of character over mere skills. He commended his team's resilience, even when their backs were against the wall, and stressed the significance of the momentum they have gathered as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

“Australia really put us under pressure. We had conversation around character with the ball. We didn't have a look at our skills but it was about looking at the overall personality of the team. Even if we have our backs on the wall, we have the team to bounce back. We've created a nice momentum with World Cup in a couple weeks,” said Bavuma.

‘It was the best kind of preparation that we can have’ – Temba Bavuma after overcoming Aussie hurdle

Furthermore, the Proteas skipper highlighted the crucial confidence boost his team gained from this hard-fought series, particularly for their bowlers who found themselves in high-pressure situations. He highlighted his conversation with the South African batter Aiden Markram while emphasising his views.

“I was having a conversation with Aiden, in the first game we had an opportunity to win the game but we didn't. The confidence that we have gained from this series is something which we can't lose. I was talking to the bowlers and they said it was the best kind of preparation that we can have, bowling in pressure situations,” Bavuma added.