South Africa last faced Australia in a Test series in 2022-23, with the hosts running out 2-0 winners Down Under.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere was always some sort of allegiance with Lord\u2019s when we were growing up in Langa,\u201d Bavuma told The Guardian. \u201cOn the right-hand side of the street the tar wasn\u2019t done so nicely and we used to call it Karachi. The other side was the MCG. But my favourite section was clean and done up nicely, and we called it Lord\u2019s because it just looked better. As a kid of 10, I already had that dream of playing at Lord\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Now 35 and the first Black cricketer to captain South Africa in Test cricket, Bavuma carries not only the hopes of his team but the weight of a remarkable personal journey - one shaped by inequality, opportunity and perseverance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
From facing older boys in street cricket to navigating elite white institutions after earning a scholarship, Bavuma\u2019s early years were filled with challenges.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt was tough integrating within the system, learning and understanding the (white) culture,\u201d he said of his time at SACS. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut I had to learn about discipline and etiquette. I also had to learn confidence. Can you imagine taking a child from the township into a system where, basically, everything is there? There were always doubts. Am I good enough to be here?\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He remembers the contrast vividly \u2014 particularly when SACS played against Langa. \u201cMy friends from Langa would have huge plates at lunch. We\u2019d laugh about it but\u2026 the Langa boy would be wondering when is he going to get another opportunity to eat food like that?\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Eventually, after moving to Johannesburg and joining St David\u2019s \u2014 which recently named its cricket ground after him \u2014 Bavuma became \u201cone of the boys,\u201d confident and fluent in the environment. But cricket\u2019s highest format remained a long, hard climb.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He became the first Black South African to score a Test century in 2016, but his second came only in 2023 \u2014 after taking over as Test captain. \u201cThe added responsibility, getting pushed up the order, is something I thrived on,\u201d Bavuma said. \u201cMost of all, I just understand my game and I don\u2019t try playing like anyone else.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Eventually, after moving to Johannesburg and joining St David\u2019s \u2014 which recently named its cricket ground after him \u2014 Bavuma became \u201cone of the boys,\u201d confident and fluent in the environment. But cricket\u2019s highest format remained a long, hard climb.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n