Bavuma raises hand to plug AB’s hole

Batsman ready to step in at number 4

The retirement of South Africa’s batting talisman AB de Villiers has opened a gaping hole at number four in the Proteas line-up, and Temba Bavuma has announced his intention to put his hand up for the position.

Bavuma batted at number four last year during the fourth Test against England where he scored 46 and 12 in the 177 runs loss at Old Trafford as SA lost the series 3-1.

He wants to give it another go. “I will be opportunistic because there is a spot open for someone to come in at number four and I am putting up my hand for that position‚” he said at the Proteas camp yesterday where they are preparing for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka next month.

“Hopefully, the selectors are looking towards me but if not wherever they want me to play I will try to execute as best as possible,” Bavuma said.

Though he has not played in Sri Lanka‚ Bavuma played one Test match in India as opening partner to Dean Elgar in the fourth and final match where he scored 22 and 32 in Delhi as Proteas lost the series 3-0.

“I am hoping that in Sri Lanka it won’t be like that but we must just be prepared for worse.”