International cricket's a brutal, brutal sport: Temba Bavuma after Boxing Day Test

South Africa suffered an embarrassing defeat at MCG in 2nd Test

South Africa received one of the most embarrassing defeats in Test cricket when they lost the Boxing Day Test to Australia by an innings and 182 runs on Thursday, handing the home side a 2-0 unassailable lead in the series. 

South African white-ball skipper Temba Bavuma echoed similar opinions to that of Dean Elgar and called international cricket a brutal experience. 

The Proteas are inexperienced and undergoing a transition phase, which Bavuma feels is one of the reasons for their debacle in the ongoing Australian tour. 

While talking to IOL sport, Bavuma spoke about players needing to rise to the challenge for the remainder of the series. 

"The Australian team, they've asked questions, they're probably going to ask the same questions again with the bat and the ball. And as a group ... we're going to have to find solutions to those questions. International cricket's a brutal, brutal sport and a lot of us are learning that.

It's not a matter of shying away from what is in front of us. We're going to have to face it head on and find a way - not just for now but for going forward."

Bavuma also spoke about South Africa's indecisive running between the wickets, and the need to stay aware of 'Mankading', with both Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins teasing run-outs at the non-strikers end over the course of the series.

The third and final Test in Sydney begins on January 3, where South Africa will look to regain lost pride.

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