JOHANNESBURG – Standard Bank Proteas Test batsman Temba Bavuma say he is eager to represent the Gauteng Strikers again where everything started for him a decade ago.
He will be in action for Gauteng this weekend who are playing their matches in Pool B of the Africa T20 Cup in Oudtshoorn in the Southern Cape.
According to Bavuma it’s nice to play outside one of the main centres for a change.
“I haven’t played here for a number of years. My last game here was for the Strikers back in 2009. It (the field conditions) looks much better since then when the wicket was quite low and the outfield slow. The wicket could play much differently now.”
Bavuma is back in Gauteng again after a stint with the Cape Cobras. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Bavuma, who is back in Gauteng again after a stint with the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras, say he is keen to contribute towards the team and particularly the younger players. “The Africa T20 Cup is a nice opportunity for the unknown guys to showcase their skills. It’s up to us who’ve been around the block to help out the younger guys.
“It’s been a while since I last played for the Strikers. I don’t get the opportunity to represent them for obvious reasons, but I’ve always enjoyed playing for them. It is where I got to start my cricket and where I learned everything about first-class cricket.”
Bavuma, who’s scored a total of 161 runs in his two One-Day International appearances, say his focus isn’t set on a spot in the Protea team for the upcoming ODI’s against Zimbabwe.
“I haven’t really thought about that. My focus is on the Africa T20 now and to share my knowledge where I can and help the guys grow their game.”
Gauteng, who also possess the likes of Wiaan Mulder (six ODI’s for the Proteas) and captain Mangaliso Mosehle (seven T20 internationals,) face Zimbabwe Select first up on Friday morning.
The Strikers’ best performance in the competition was last year when they made it to the semi-finals before losing to the eventual champions, KwaZulu-Natal Inland.