Bavuma Hits Milestone: Fastest Proteas Captain to 1,000 Test Runs After Smith

Temba Bavuma, South African cricket captain, reached 1,000 Test runs faster than all but Graeme Smith. Achieving this in his 20th innings, Bavuma has set the highest average for Proteas Test captains with over 1,000 runs. South Africa leads against India with Bavuma anchoring their innings.

South African cricket captain Temba Bavuma has reached a significant milestone in his cricketing career, becoming the second-fastest Test captain to score 1,000 runs for the Proteas, following in the footsteps of legendary Graeme Smith. Bavuma achieved this feat during the second Test against India held in Guwahati.

His innings, which comprised of 41 runs off 92 balls with a strike rate exceeding 44, saw him cement his place among elite South African skippers. Despite his intent, a deft catch by India's Yashasvi Jaiswal handed his wicket to spinner Ravindra Jadeja, concluding his stint at the crease during the third session.

Bavuma has now amassed 1,010 runs over 20 innings, boasting an impressive average of 56.11 — the highest for any South African Test captain crossing the 1,000-run mark. In the match, South Africa, choosing to bat first, reached a position of strength by scoring 156/2 at the end of the second session, thanks in part to Bavuma's unbeaten 36 runs.

(With inputs from agencies.)