Bavuma vows to bounce back from inglorious pair on captaincy debut: 'I'll prepare even better'

At SuperSport Park

Temba Bavuma has resolved to work "even harder" after his debut as Proteas captain culminated in a victory, but - on a personal front - delivered a pair with the bat.

Following a taxing and draining 2022, where his suitability as T20 skipper was relentlessly called into question predominantly because of his indifferent form, two ducks in the 87-run win over the West Indies in the first Test here is a colossal irony given that he's been South Africa's best performing batter in the five-day game over the past calendar year.

Bavuma was dismissed by Alzarri Joseph in both innings, missing an on-drive to be caught in front in the first innings while edging a beauty that climbed in the second.

Even if there's an argument to be made that good deliveries nipped him out, he's aware that he needs to front up at the Wanderers next week.

"When you're a leader, it's important to stick to your leadership bargain, but what can't be forgotten is that as a batter or bowler, your currency remains runs or wickets," said Bavuma.

"You have to make sure you look after those two departments and fix things as and when it's required."

READ | Proteas skipper Bavuma caps off miserable Centurion batting return with historic Test pair

Yet, after having to deal with the fallout from the early elimination from last year's T20 World Cup in Australia, the 33-year-old right-hander also expressed his hope that people would understand that mishaps do happen.

"However, people need to understand that we're also human because you're not always going to get wickets and runs.

"You're just like the other players, but it's the pressure and responsibility you have to live with. I'll prepare even better for the second Test and do things the way I do and