![Temba Bavuma takes on South Africa's critics [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793508715513_TembaBavumaforSA.jpg?type=hq)
Temba Bavuma takes on South Africa's critics [Source: AFP]
South Africa continued to make a statement in Test cricket after defeating Australia 2-1 in the three-match series, securing a commanding 176-run victory in the third Test in Cape Town.
The result came a year after their historic five-wicket triumph over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's. Having now beaten the same opposition in a full Test series, captain Temba Bavuma has taken a cheeky dig at critics who questioned South Africa's WTC triumph and labelled it a ‘fluke’.
Temba Bavuma hits back at critics after Australia series win
South Africa's series victory over Australia has given Bavuma and his team another opportunity to silence those who doubted their WTC final triumph.
The Proteas entered the series after nearly 10 months without playing Test cricket. However, South Africa turned the tables by winning the series.
Speaking after the series, Temba Bavuma admitted that South Africa might not have been considered favourites before the contest. However, he believes the manner in which his team performed across the three Tests has given them the confidence to answer their critics.
“If I think before the series against Australia if we were given the favourite tag, I'm not too sure about that. But I do hope with the way that we have performed, not the result but the way we have performed, it's given that belief, and I guess in a cheeky way answered to certain critics saying that what we did at the WTC was a fluke,” Bavuma told the media in the post-match press conference.
The South Africa captain also described the series as one of the most memorable Test contests of the century. He highlighted how remarkable the encounter was between the two formidable sides.
“I think the series in itself was an enthralling 15 days of cricket. To go from 10 months of no cricket to something like that, I think it will be remembered as one of the iconic Test series at least in this century,” Bavuma added.
How did South Africa dominate Australia in the WTC Final 2025?
South Africa had already demonstrated their ability to overcome Australia in the 2025 WTC final at Lord's, where they secured a five-wicket victory to claim their maiden World Test Championship title.
Australia were bowled out for 212 in their first innings, before Pat Cummins' six-wicket haul restricted the Proteas to just 138. However, a second-innings total of 207 gave Australia a target of 282.
Aiden Markram then produced a match-winning 136 off 207 deliveries, while Bavuma contributed 66 runs despite battling an injury. The duo added 147 runs for the third wicket, turning the chase around and helping South Africa reach 282/5 to lift the trophy.
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