Bavuma: Critics can say what they want

Temba Bavuma says he is not fazed by critics who think he does not deserve his spot in the Test side.

Bavuma was crucial to a great day two for the Proteas. His 95 not out was pivotal to his side taking full control of the Test as they draw closer to making history with a first series win against the Baggy Greens since post-isolation.

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The 27-year-old played a gritty knock as he supported his tail-end, particular Keshav Maharaj who scored 45 and lost his wicket before he could help Bavuma complete a milestone.

Bavuma wiped away critics with his gritty knock, stating his case as to why he deserves to be in the Proteas XI.

He also answered his critics in the press conference at the end of the day’s play.

‘I think they should keep coming, they should keep going,’ said Bavuma about his critics who don’t think he deserves his spot. ‘For some people, those things put them down, for others, it fires them up and I think I’m one of those people.

‘Whatever you do, you will always have critics. I’m sure AB de Villiers has critics where he is sitting at the moment. It doesn’t really change the person I am.

‘Whether you think I’m a good player or whether you think I’m a bad player, it doesn’t really matter, I’m not going to lose sleep over it. They can keep saying what they want.’

Morne Morkel (nought) fell in quick succession to Maharaj and left Bavuma five short of his second Test ton.

He walked off the field staring at the heavens, a distraught Morkel at his side.

‘Morne was very disappointed. He did throw some profanities. I kind of felt for him and it kind of took away the disappointment I had. You almost had to give him a shoulder to cry on,’ said Bavuma.

‘I would never be cross at Morne or the other batter [Maharaj]. I can only look at myself and look back at my innings and say maybe there were opportunities I let go to help me turn it into a 100.

‘In saying that, I take a lot of confidence and comfort from the fact that I could assist the team in getting them in such a strong batting position.’