‘Everyone wants to have a go at us’ – Temba Bavuma on life as world champions

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma reflected on the intense pressure and scrutiny of playing as reigning World Test champions following an innings-and-31-run victory over Australia in Gqeberha on October 22, 2026. Bavuma noted that opponents are eager to challenge the titleholders, but emphasized that the commanding win helped level the series after South Africa lost the opening Test in Durban.

Bavuma scored a career-best 179 runs, supported by Marco Jansen's 85 and Simon Harmer's 82, to post a total of 425 for 9 declared before bowling Australia out for 99. The captain also highlighted Kagiso Rabada's inspirational leadership and South Africa's philosophy of controlled aggression as essential components in defending their championship status.