South Africa thrive under pressure: Temba Bavuma reflects on Australia Test series win

Temba Bavuma credited South Africa's resilience and fighting spirit for their remarkable 2-1 comeback series victory over Australia after losing the opening Test. The Proteas reclaimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 10 years, with Bavuma calling it a significant team milestone.Temba Bavuma aid South Africa play better under pressure. Courtesy: APNew Delhi,Oct 31, 2026 21:03 ISTSouth Africa captain Temba Bavuma believes resilience and the ability to fight back when pushed onto the backfoot were central to his team's remarkable 2-1 Test series victory over Australia. The Proteas bounced back from a 214-run defeat in the opening Test in Durban to win the next two matches, and underline their credentials as one of the strongest sides in the longest format.Reflecting on the fiercely contested series, Bavuma acknowledged Australia's quality but was particularly pleased with the way his team responded whenever they found themselves behind in a match. He also credited the resilience that has become a defining characteristic of South African cricket.South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test Day 5: Highlights | Scorecard“I think firstly, I mean it's been an enthralling 15 days of cricket, right? I think from the first Test, the second Test, third Test, I think you saw two quality sides coming up against each other, exploiting each other's weaknesses. And I guess at the end of the day there has to be a victor, right? “But I mean, we at times, we found ourselves in awe of the Australians, so credit to Pat and his troops. But I think a lot of it for us was, I guess that whole South African trait of resilience, right? We seem to play a lot better when we're behind the game. Whether that's a good or bad thing, that's for us,” Bavuma said during the post-match presentation ceremony.Australia dominated the opening Test in Durban to take a 1-0 lead, putting South Africa under immediate pressure. However, Bavuma's men produced a stunning response in Gqeberha, winning by an innings and 31 runs to level the series. The Proteas had to dig deep once again in Cape Town, where Australia took a 100-run first-innings lead and threatened to seize control of the series decider. South Africa, however, turned the contest around to register a 176-run victory and seal the series.BAVUMA DELIGHTED WITH NO.1 RANKING The triumph also helped South Africa reclaim the No.1 position in the ICC Test rankings for the first time in 10 years. For Bavuma, the achievement marked another important milestone for a team determined to take the Proteas badge to greater heights.“Yeah, that's exceptional. I think that's obviously been a part of our ambition as a team. We're trying to push that standard as high as, as high as we can. And, with this opportunity that we have, we want to leave the Proteas badge in a better place. So we will definitely celebrate that milestone as a team,” Bavuma added.South Africa will next be in Test action on November 15, when they host Bangladesh in the opening match of a two-Test series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The second Test will be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23 to 27.- Ends