Bavuma ready to bat in any position for Cape Cobras

PROTEAS cricketer Temba Bavuma would like to bat up the order for the Cape Cobras if he gets an opportunity, but whoever is entrusted with that responsibility will be well suited to perform.

Bavuma, 27, recently returned to his Cape roots and said he wants to also represent Langa at club level.

“I know they have been promoted to Premier League status and it would be good to get involved with them whenever there is a free weekend available,” he said.

Despite his youthful age, Bavuma has already represented the Proteas in 24 Tests and played 113 first-class matches. He debuted for Gauteng at 18.

He struck an unbeaten 102 at Newlands in January 2016 to shepherd the South African lower order as the hosts hammered a heroic 627 in reply to England’s 629, one of the finest batting displays by the Proteas in recent years.

Bavuma said his position in the Cobras batting order will be up to head coach Ashwell Prince and captain Dane Piedt.

He has always prided himself in dealing with any batting position, whether opening in India, batting at four, five or six for his country.

“My words to the coach have always been: you can pick me in any position as long as I play and fill the boots,” he added.

His role was to perform at domestic level whenever he gets an opportunity, as well as showcase why he has been selected to represent South Africa, he added.

Championship domestic teams habitually strike 10 to 12 centuries at first-class level to win trophies, like the Cobras in 2014 (11 tons) and the Titans (12) in 2016.

“We have the ability and the experience to score those hundreds. Just think of players like Andrew Puttick, Justin Ontong and Stiaan van Zyl. They have done it before. And then you have players like Jason Smith and Zubayr Hamza also in the mix,” Bavuma said.

“But just as those centuries are needed, you also have to capture 20 wickets. So having bowlers who can take 40 or 50 scalps in a season is the telling factor.”

Bavuma will take to the field for the Cobras today for the start of a two-day warm-up game against the Warriors. – ANA