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This is a bit disappointing for South African captain Temba Bavuma, as he gets to play a very limited number of Test matches in a calendar year. The winners of the last edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) have played only 4 matches in White so far in the ongoing cycle of the title race, while current table topper Australia has played 8 games in the format.
Temba Bavuma has candidly mentioned that when he gets to see other major teams participating in high-profile games, he feels some jealousy as he has only played a handful of matches in recent times.
Temba Bavuma-led South Africa look forward to more challenges in Tests
Bavuma says it will be great for him, and he is looking forward to joining the leading forces like the Indian national cricket team in the format. Regardless of the outcome of the series, Bavuma wants to keep himself busy with the Test match grind.
He believes that the cricketers on the field as well as the fans will enjoy the rivalry between the two teams as they expect to see balanced cricket when the top two teams take on each other.
We watched with a little envy: Temba Bavuma
The multi-day format always comes with a hint of uncertainty. Over the course of five days, a lot of things can happen, and the momentum can change at any point in the match. Temba Bavuma therefore sincerely believes that test matches should be arranged between the two heavyweight teams.
“We woke up this morning to watch the Ashes. We watched with a bit of envy, knowing they were playing five Tests. They would be facing each other. Look, the series may go 1-1, 2-0, but it will be good to have a three-Test series against a team as strong as the India national cricket team,” South Africa Test team captain Temba Bavuma said via SA Press.
He said, “And it’s really good for the fans, when people get to see good cricket, one team dominates, the other team dominates. But there is also an opportunity for one team to be the winner.”
Upcoming Test matches for South Africa in 2026
This year, the South African cricket team has to play several test matches, which will be very important in shaping the WTC points table. In October, they will be up against Australia for a 3-match Test series, and in November, the Proteas will face Bangladesh for a 2-match Test series, followed by a few one-off Test matches against England before the end of 2026.
As of now, South Africa is at the second position in the WTC points table with 75.00 PCT and 36 points from 4 matches. In those four games, they claimed 3 wins and one draw. Currently, Australia, which is on top in the points table, is undefeated even after playing 8 Tests. With 7 wins and one draw, the Australian team has 87.50 PCT and 84 points. South Africa had captured the mace in the final of the last edition.
