South Africa captain Temba Bavuma recently admitted he feels nervous in the 80s and 90s and aims to reach his century quickly during those phases. On Day 3 of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban, the 34-year-old asked Tristan Stubbs to get him on strike to help him reach the milestone.
Bavuma brought up his third Test century in a dramatic fashion, playing a paddle sweep against Prabath Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka reviewed the on-field decision after an appeal, but replays confirmed Bavuma had edged the ball, completing his ton.
Speaking at a press conference after Day 3, the Proteas skipper shared his thoughts, as quoted by Cricbuzz:
“I’m not too good when I get to the 80s and 90s. I’m going to try and get to a hundred as soon as I can. My intent didn’t change. I was always looking to score. That became high-risk with the new ball. but I tried to stay to that approach as much as I could.”
“Getting to the three-figure mark was nerve-wracking. When I was at 97, facing [Jayasuriya], I got one off the first ball, and then the next two balls, Tristan blocked them. I went over to him and I said, ‘Stubbo, please get me on strike; I can’t wait at this end,'” he added.
The veteran played a key role in the first innings with a vital 70, guiding South Africa to 191 and securing a 149-run lead after Sri Lanka was dismissed for just 42. Bavuma then partnered with Stubbs for a massive 249-run stand, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 516 for victory.
“Centuries are the benchmark for us as batters”- Temba Bavuma
The 34-year-old emphasized the rarity of Test centuries and expressed pride in achieving one in Durban, stating during the same press conference:
“Hundreds are our currency as batters. From a mental point of view, I’m starting to find a formula for how you can go about not just scoring 50s and 60s, but putting the team in a very strong position. It’s always nice scoring a hundred; that’s what we aim to do. It doesn’t always happen, and it gives you a lot of confidence when you’re able to do so.”
By Stumps, Sri Lanka had fallen to 103/5, with Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada each taking two wickets.
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