'It's a special thing': Bavuma revels in elevation to 'most coveted' role of Test captain

The Proteas Test captaincy may be a bit of a poisoned chalice when paired with recent results, but it remains a cherished position for Temba Bavuma.

The 32-year-old Bavuma was announced as Test captain last week Friday by new red-ball coach Shukri Conrad.

His career has come full circle with the assumption of the leadership role just as the West Indies Test series is about to start, because it was against the team from the Caribbean that he made his Test debut back in 2014.

Bavuma said the elevation means a lot to him and he is happy that Conrad considers him as the best man for the job.

READ | 'My whole career was ripped underneath me': Proteas star Brits takes unique path to World Cup dream

"It's probably the most coveted one from a player's perspective but, first and foremost, the dream was always to play Test cricket," Bavuma said.

"To have lived that dream and also having the opportunity of leading the team makes it a lot more special and it means a lot to me.

"It means a lot to my family and the people who have supported me in this journey. It's a special thing.

"From him (Conrad), he believed I was the right man to do the job and I have been one of the consistent performers over the past couple of years.

"He believes I have what it takes to turn his vision into a reality."

With 54 Tests under his belt, Bavuma said he felt more emboldened as a leader compared to when he assumed the white-ball leadership.

READ | 'We're dealing with humans': Proteas coach on having to make difficult decisions in picking Test squad

"As great as it was to captain the white-ball team, I came in at a time where I didn't have a lot of experience in white-ball cricket," Bavuma, who retains the Proteas ODI captaincy, said.

Rob Houwing | Centurion