Temba Bavuma says he will stay on as white-ball skipper for as long as the team and management want him to.
Bavuma had hinted after South Africa’s shock exit at the hands of Netherlands at the T20 World Cup in Australia late last year that he could quit.

He has back-tracked on that, and says he is keen to stay on as the side prepares to face England in a three-match One-Day International series starting in Bloemfontein on Friday.

“At the T20 World Cup, the question [about captaincy] was asked. It was obviously quite an emotional time. It was a bit unfair to be asked that question right after walking off the field after a loss,” Bavuma said. “Conversations were had with the relevant people and I am still in it. I’ve said to the guys if they would still like me to be the guy to lead, I am happy to do it.

“I’ve never ever made it about me, it’s always been about the team. I don’t think you’ve ever heard me say that it’s about me and I.”

Rob Walter has recently been appointed coach of the white-ball team, though the England series will see test coach Shukri Conrad take charge while the former ties up loose ends in New Zealand, where he has worked for the last seven years.

“If the team wants to go in a different direction with a different leader, I am happy to step away,” Bavuma said.

“Ultimately it’s up to the coach. We have got a new coach and a new coaching staff; the coach will have his vision and he will need somebody to drive that vision. At the moment the coach has entrusted me with that role so I will continue doing my best. Fortunately, I have got a bunch of guys that support me. For me, it’s business as usual for now.”