AUS vs SA: Proteas coach backs Temba Bavuma for Gabba Test

Bavuma has struggled for runs in recent times [Source: Twitter]

Highly anticipated Test series between hosts Australia and visitors South Africa begins on Saturday when both sides clash in the first Test at Gabba. This will be the first time these sides play red-ball cricket after the infamous 2018 'Sandpaper Gate' series in the African nation.

Ahead of the Brisbane encounter interim coach, Malibongwe Maketa has openly backed white-ball captain Temba Bavuma. Bavuma is making a comeback in the whites after last playing in March against England, only to be sidelined due to an elbow injury.

Post the debacle in ICC T20 World Cup 2022, Bavuma opted for a short break and did not play four-day cricket back home. According to BusinessDay, Maketa said that the batter is in right frame of mind ahead of the three-match series.

“In terms of how he has been batting, I am very happy with how he has progressed since his return to the squad.

Where he is mentally ... smiling and confident again ... that bodes well for us in terms of being one of our best batsmen going into the series,”

The 32-year-old has a decent record against Australia in Test, having scored 298 runs in five matches. In three Tests in Australia, Bavuma has 162 runs.

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