Bavuma’s move helps the Lions and himself

When Temba Bavuma (right) confirmed he’s coming back to play his franchise cricket at the Highveld Lions, many felt it was down to national interest.

The struggling franchise would welcome him with open arms and could assist him greatly in his dual mission of cementing his Test spot again as well as staking a claim in ODIs for the looming World Cup.

Instead, it turns out he’s back at the Wanderers because of his fiance.

“She’s always been the boss,” the diminutive stroke-maker said with a smile.

“Life happened. We decided to get married and she resides in Johannesburg. It was going to be difficult for me to keep playing in Cape Town, so I’m back in Gauteng. There’s no bad blood between the Cape Cobras and I.”

Even if Bavuma is playing second fiddle at home, the arrangement actually works out quite well for him anyway.

With the Lions desperate to put two years of severe underachievement behind them, the 28-yearold is undoubtedly the classy presence they need.

And that suits his aforementioned ambitions, especially with the retirement of AB de Villiers opening up the No 4 spot in the national side.

“I will be opportunistic because there is a spot open for someone at No 4 and I am putting up my hand,” said Bavuma.

“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 was saddled with that responsibility in England last year and coped pretty well.

It certainly puts him in the frame for the role during the upcoming tour to Sri Lanka.

“It’s something that could help my game. I haven’t been able to convert most of my starts. Coming in at No 4, the opportunity is there to score those big runs and it goes hand in hand with what I am trying to achieve.”