Getty Images via AFP
Proteas men's captain Temba Bavuma will have a 'full circle moment' when he steps out of the change rooms for the second test against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha on Thursday, celebrating 10 years of test cricket.
Bavuma made his test debut at Dafabet St Georges Park against West Indies in the 2014 Boxing Day Test.
Quizzed about his decade-long test career, Bavuma said: "When I came here as a 24/25-year-old, I guess I was naive to a lot of things, but now ten years later, I have learned to appreciate things a lot more, and don't take things for granted."
Bavuma also said he is focused on making memories as he goes.
His cricket career has not been without hurdles, however, hard work and determination are integral themes in his life.
He recently played what could be the best game of his career during the first test against Sri Lanka in Durban last week when he scored a century.
At a media conference in Gqeberha on Wednesday Bavuma confessed to battling with his role as captain and as batter.
"I focused a lot on Temba the captain and everything that comes with the role, and did not give Temba the batter the time and energy he required."
However, he said, being injured allowed him time for self reflection, and the goals that he has set for himself as a batter.
Speaking on how test cricket has changed him and his relationship with the game he said: "I definitely see the game differently and I am grateful for the journey thus far but what I can say is the love and passion for the game remains unchanged."
"They say that in difficult times you discover yourself and I could not agree with that statement more. It is what has kept me going through the ups and downs."
According to Bavuma, there is still a fire burning inside of him and has the ambition "of certain things he wants to achieve", but, until he achieves "those things" he has set out for himself, only then will he consider hanging up his cricket shoes.
