Bavuma the bowler waiting in the wings

Temba Bavuma made history at the last New Year’s Test when he became the first black African batsman to score a century for South Africa, and he will reach another landmark at the venue this time around when he plays his 100th first-class match there. But this time he might have more to contribute than just runs.

The No. 6 batsman has been working on his seamers and could help South Africa to increase their bowling options. “Temba is ready to go. He is in the back pocket, ready to cut loose at some stage,” Kyle Abbott said.

Bavuma’s bowling made its debut in international cricket in November in Perth, when he sent down an entertaining seven overs that could have started with a wicket. His first delivery hit a crack and struck Usman Khawaja on the front pad. Khawaja would have been out, but Bavuma, whose delivery stride spans the crease, had overstepped. He then had a catch dropped at slip before picking up his maiden wicket – Josh Hazlewood – who sent a leading edge to cover.

Novelty value aside, Bavuma bowled an impressive skiddy ball and even tossed in a beamer (surprise!) to prove himself handy as an alternative to the three quicks who Abbott described has previously described as being “fairly similar but with enough variation”.

South Africa’s current attack consists of Vernon Philander, Abbott, Kagiso Rabada …

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