Proteas captain Temba Bavuma: We beat them at their own game

Bavuma and his team seemed destined for certain defeat on an Eden Gardens wicket that was designed for the home team, but somehow turned the tables and managed a 30-run win after posting just 153 in their second innings. 

Bavuma says they were not shocked by what they found in the middle, and knew what their hosts had asked the ground staff to do.

"I think the wicket that was prepared is what I understand was asked on their side. We came here knowing that the wicket is not gonna be friendly, similar to what we got in this game,” Bavuma said. 

“So, it didn't come as a surprise, obviously when you are out there in the heat of the moment, it's a different thing and I think for a lot of our younger guys, it's an experience for them to take in.”

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South Africa would have been anxious coming into the third day on 93/7, with Bavuma the last recognised batter still at the crease. 

He says all he had to do was tell his team to not think too far ahead.

"Coming in this morning, I think my message to the guys was to just try and play what's in front of you. Try not to have too many preconceived ideas and unfortunately this morning it did kind of calm down a bit,” the captain added.

“Obviously there was still a bit of a turn but guys could kind of, Corbin [Borsch] and I, could build a partnership. It would have been nice if Marco [Jansen] was still there this morning but I think yeah, it was okay. Just play what's in front of you, keep your nerve but importantly keep the belief that the result can still go our way."