Temba Bavuma will want his bat to do the talking in the second Test against the Kiwis

Johannesburg — The only approach to getting over last week’s crushing defeat against New Zealand was for the Proteas to confront it head on.

The national side is fortunate that in Dean Elgar and Temba Bavuma there are two leaders, who prefer that method of solving problems. Bavuma showed it last year at the T20 World Cup when tackling the Quinton de Kock kneeling episode, and Elgar when he ‘served’ Kagiso Rabada ‘a rocket’ at a crucial point in the recent Test series with India. Those two have been central in South Africa making the transition from seven session thrashing last week, to ensuring minds are clear and preparation can commence properly for Friday’s start of the second Test.

“(Dean and my) relationship is built on honesty. There’s not any bullshit,” said Bavuma. “Dean’s a very blunt type of performer, if you’re straying he will call you out, if you are good he will let you know as well.”

ALSO READ: WATCH: Proteas have the character to bounce back in second Test, says Temba Bavuma

There really wasn’t any point in the Proteas beating about the bush after last week’s result. They used the couple of enforced days off for some reflection, refreshing of minds and to re-set.

Coming into view is a Test against a New Zealand team, high confidence and motivation — chasing a historic first Test series win against South Africa.

The size of the defeat was obviously shocking for the players and public, but within the squad as part of those candid reflections there would also have been the understanding that it didn’t mean they were suddenly a bad team.

ALSO READ: Proteas take much needed break after nightmare Test in Christchurch

“Over the last while, we have overcome a lot and we need to remind the guys (that dealing with