The Cape Cobras have boosted their batting stocks with the signing of Proteas star Temba Bavuma for the 2017-18 season.

The 26-year-old middle-order batsman will be returning to his province of birth for the upcoming season after spending nine years with the Highveld Lions.

Bavuma made his first-class debut for Gauteng in 2008 at age 18, and enjoyed a sparkling campaign in 2014-15, helping the Lions to Sunfoil Series success with 555 runs at an average of 69.35.

He put himself on the map a few months prior to that season, sharing in a match-winning 343-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Rilee Rossouw against Australia A in August 2014. South Africa A won handsomely by eight wickets. He scored 162.

The diminutive batsman was born and bred in Langa, and reminded everyone of his roots when he struck his maiden Test century against England in the New Years Test at Newlands.

Bavuma has played 20 Tests for the Proteas, scoring 849 runs at an average of 31.44 with one century and six half-centuries to his name.

‘I believe that Temba, when not on international duty, can enhance the Cape Cobras’ chances significantly of winning the Sunfoil Series title and even the Momentum One Day Cup campaign. He will strengthen the top order and aid their quest to score totals in excess of 450 in the first innings,’ Cobras CEO Nabeal Dien remarked.

‘And his versatility off back and front foot, his good running between the wickets and his excellent partnerships with players like Stiaan van Zyl, Jason Smith and Richard Levi could make him a significant factor in the domestic 50-over campaign as well,’ said Dien.

‘He will be a drawcard for the Cobras, as he is an attacking player and his presence will also be an inspirational factor in township cricket and in encouraging and motivating young players to choose cricket as their premier sporting code instead of soccer,’ said Beresford Williams, chairperson of Western Cape Cricket.

‘South Africa will have a busy test schedule in 2017-18 with test series against Austalia and India on the cards. Yet, Temba might still ply his trade in different formats for the Cobras as he is not yet an established player in One Day Internationals. His experience and enthusiasm will be key factors in lifting the Cobras to new heights in all formats,’ said Ashwell Prince, coach of the Cape Cobras.

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