Is it time to place Temba Bavuma among the greatest captains in Test cricket ever?

Temba Bavuma’s captaincy has frequently been subjected to intense public scrutiny, yet the sheer weight of his achievements is fast silencing the sceptics.

Following South Africa’s explosive innings victory over Australia in Gqeberha, it is officially time to look past the noise and appreciate the monumental era the Proteas skipper is carving out.

Here are eight reasons why Temba Bavuma deserves recognition as one of the finest Test leaders in cricket history.

1. The highest win percentage in Test history

Bavuma’s success is not just good, it is historically unprecedented.

Sitting atop the all-time list of Test captains (with a minimum of 10 matches), Bavuma boasts an astronomical win percentage of 85.71%, having marshalled 12 victories from just 14 matches.

He sits comfortably ahead of all-time great captains like Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and, the man who he beat in Gqeberha, Pat Cummins.

Sure, he has only led his side in 14 Tests, but nobody else has done as much with as little as he has in the same period.

2. Leading an under-the-radar batting lineup

Unlike past South African captains who could call upon legendary batting line-ups featuring the likes of Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, or Graeme Smith, Bavuma is executing his successes with a transition-era squad.

He is currently extracting world-class results from a batting unit where no individual batsman holds a career Test average above 40.

Also read: Is this Pakistan’s most promising limited-overs all-rounder since the early days of Shahid Afridi?

3. Out-tacticking Pat Cummins twice

Defeating an elite Australian outfit is a massive milestone; doing it repeatedly to arguably the most dominant modern team elevates Bavuma’s status.

By outplaying Australia, he has now personally bested Pat Cummins twice – the very man holding the third-best captaincy record in the history of the game.

4. Captures the reins and elevates his own game

Many players crumble under the sheer weight of international captaincy, but leadership has acted as a catalyst for Bavuma’s personal form.

• As Captain: His average skyrockets to over 54, exemplified by his magnificent, career-best 179 against Australia.
• As a Non-Captain: His career baseline sat under 35 before taking the armband.

5. Masterful tactical decision-making

Bavuma’s success is anchored by proactive, high-IQ cricketing choices. In the second Test in Gqeberha, rather than looking for a premature or nervous declaration on day three, he resolutely chose to grind down a tired Australian bowling unit.

This allowed lower-order partnerships with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer to flourish, giving South Africa the platform to execute a ruthless two-day victory surge.

6. Breaking hoodoos – the follow-on and the Indian sweep

Under his stewardship, South Africa achieved the rare feat of forcing powerhouse Australia to follow on – marking just the third time the Aussies have suffered that indignity since 1988.

Even more remarkably, Bavuma masterminded a historic 2-0 series whitewash against India in India. To put that into perspective, it was the Proteas’ first series win on Indian soil in 25 years.

Bavuma hasn’t led his side to easy wins over soft targets, he has done it against top opposition in difficult circumstances.

7. Overcoming premium opposition

Bavuma’s win percentage is not inflated by playing lesser-ranked nations.

The Proteas have regularly locked horns with, and dismantled, the heavyweights of world cricket. His resume boasts emphatic victories against heavyweights India, Australia, Pakistan and New Zealand.

8. World Test Championship glory

Lest we forget, Bavuma has already translated this ruthless consistency into silverware, proudly leading South Africa to an unforgettable ICC World Test Championship mace at Lord’s. He didn’t just inherit a winning machine; he built one.

He may not be the biggest player physically, but he is a giant of a leader.

Read next: Australia’s Test XI evidently needs new blood – five personnel suggestions they should introduce immediately

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The five times Australia were made to follow on in the last four decades

For decades, Australian cricket has been defined by a ruthless brand of dominance that rarely sees them playing from behind. In many ways you could say that they invented Baz Ball while England just coveted it and named it. Enforcing a follow-on against them is one of the ultimate badges of honour in Test cricket, standing as a testament to bowling supremacy.

Following their extraordinary capitulation at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, the powerful Australians suffered the ultimate indignity. It marks only the fifth time since the mid-1980s that an opposing captain has had the opportunity, and quite possibly the nerve, to tell Australia to bat again.

Here’s a look back at the five most recent times Australia have been forced to follow on in the modern era.

1. October 2026 – South Africa vs. Australia (Gqeberha)

The most recent entry on this exclusive list took place during the Australia tour to South Africa. After South Africa built a mammoth first-innings total of 425/9 declared, anchored by a masterful, gritty century from captain Temba Bavuma (179), the Proteas unleashed a relentless bowling assault.

Led by a fierce five-wicket haul from Marco Jansen, the Australian batting lineup was dismantled for a meagre 99 runs in their first innings.

Faced with a massive 326-run deficit, South Africa ruthlessly enforced the follow-on. Despite a heroic, fighting counterattack from Travis Head, who struck 121 in the second dig, the Australian top order fell apart under the relentless pressure. The Proteas wrapped up an emphatic victory by an innings and 31 runs, leaving the cricketing world stunned by the sheer vulnerability of the Australian batting card.

2. January 2019 – Australia vs. India (Sydney)

Before the disaster in Gqeberha, the last team to make Australia follow on was Virat Kohli’s formidable Indian side during the 2018/19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Playing at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), India batted first and piled on a staggering 622/7 declared, fuelled by a brilliant 193 from Cheteshwar Pujara and an explosive 159 not out from Rishabh Pant.

In reply, an Australian batting line-up heavily depleted by suspensions collapsed against India’s spin maestro Kuldeep Yadav, who picked up 5/99. Australia were bundled out for 300, trailing by 322 runs, prompting Kohli to gleefully enforce the follow-on.

It was the first time Australia had been asked to follow on at home in 31 years. inclement weather eventually stepped in to save the hosts from defeat, resulting in a drawn match, it cemented India’s historic first-ever series win in Australia.

Also read: Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?

3. August 2005 – England vs. Australia (Nottingham)

To find the instance before Sydney, one must travel back to arguably the greatest Test series of the 21st century: the 2005 Ashes. During the pivotal fourth Test at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, a fiercely confident England side took total control of the match. Michael Vaughan’s men posted 477 in their first innings, thanks to a superb century from Andrew Flintoff.

What followed was pure theatre. England’s legendary swing merchant Simon Jones ripped through the star-studded Australian line-up, taking 5/44 to skittle the visitors for just 218. Vaughan did not hesitate to enforce the follow-on against Ricky Ponting’s legendary side.

Though Australia fought back valiantly in their second innings to score 387, setting England a tense target of 129, the psychological damage was done. England scrambled home to win by three wickets, taking a crucial 2-1 series lead. Simon Jones injured himself and bowled just four overs in Australia’s second innings – he never played another Test after that.

4. October 1988 – Pakistan vs. Australia (Karachi)

Stepping back into the 20th century, the fourth most recent occurrence saw Allan Border’s developing Australian team hit a roadblock during their tour of Pakistan. In the first Test at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan batted first and compiled a massive total of 469, driven by an exceptional, 211 from Javed Miandad and a disciplined 94 from Shoaib Mohammad.

Australia’s first-innings response was a complete disaster. Facing the legendary left-arm spinner Iqbal Qasim, who was turned the ball sharply to claim figures of 5/35, the Australian batting order dissolved for a paltry 165.

Trailing by 304 runs, they were promptly ordered to follow on by Pakistani captain Imran Khan. The second innings offered no redemption; Iqbal Qasim and Abdul Qadir ripped through them again, bowling Australia out for 116. Pakistan completed a brutal victory by an innings and 188 runs.

5. January 1988 – Australia vs. England (Sydney)

The fifth most recent time occurred during the Bicentennial Test match at the SCG. In a historic encounter celebrating 200 years since the arrival of the First Fleet, England won the toss, chose to bat, and ground out a robust first-innings total of 425. The innings was framed by a resilient 139 from opener Chris Broad and contributions in the 40’s from Martyn Moxon, Tim Robinson and Bruce French.

Australia’s response lacked the necessary fortitude. Against the disciplined seam-bowling clinic of England’s Graham Dilley (3/54) and the left-arm orthodox spin of John Emburey, Australia collapsed to 214 all out. England skipper Mike Gatting wasted no time in enforcing the follow-on with a lead of 211.

This time, however, Australia showed great resilience. Anchored by a marathon, undefeated 184 from David Boon, Australia batted out 135 overs in their second innings to reach 328/2, successfully forcing a defiant draw.

Read next: Australia’s Test XI evidently needs new blood – five personnel suggestions they should introduce immediately

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How good is Marco Jansen, really, compared to cricket’s modern-day great all-rounders?

South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen has attained the number one position in the bowlers’ and all-rounders’ rankings after playing a stellar role in his team’s huge innings and 31 runs victory over Australia in the second match of their ICC World Test Championship series.

Jansen’s gritty knock of 85 and hauls of five for 33 and one for 34 have, in fact, helped him advance in all three lists of the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings as he has also gained 13 places to reach 56^th position among batters.

Jansen is the first South Africa bowler to occupy the top spot since Kagiso Rabada in November 2024 and the first from his country to become the top-ranked Test all-rounder since Vernon Philander in August 2014.

Captain Temba Bavuma has also made huge progress after his match-winning 179 lifted him four slots to a career-best second position.

He is now only behind England’s Harry Brook and with a chance to become the first South Africa player to top the Test batting rankings since A.B. de Villiers in November 2015.

Also read: Five uncapped domestic stars set to spark bidding wars at IPL mega auction

Others to move up the Test rankings include Australia fast bowler Scott Boland, who is up three places to sixth position for a haul of five for 81 while South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder is up 10 places to 43^rd after finishing with five wickets across the two innings.

Meanwhile India’s left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma’s blistering 35-ball century against New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday has lifted him back to the number one position in the ICC Men’s T20I Batting Rankings with his team-mate Ishan Kishan slipping to third after occupying top position for four months.

This is the second stint at the top for Abhishek, who was number one from July 2025 to June this year.

Sanju Samson (up six places to 20^th), Finn Allen (up three places to 25^th) and Glenn Phillips (up 20 places to 37^th) are among the others to move up the list for their performances in the ongoing series in New Zealand while the home side’s captain Mitchell Santner (up seven places to seventh), and India pace bowlers Arshdeep Singh (up six places to 15^th) and Prince Yadav (up 19 places to 83^rd) have progressed in the bowling rankings.

The ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings see England batters Ben Duckett and Brook advance six places each to seventh and eight positions for their knocks in the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series also featuring Sri Lanka.

Duckett scored 105 against Pakistan and Brook recorded the fastest double century in the format against Sri Lanka, but both knocks were in losing causes.

Shadab Khan, who helped Pakistan to a one-run victory in Lahore against England with an unbeaten 113, has moved up 32 places to 92^nd while Janith Liyanage of Sri Lanka (up 10 places to 14^th), Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza (up seven places to 20^th), Namibia captain Gerhard Erasmus (up 15 places to 45^th) and the Netherlands’ Max O’Dowd (up seven places to 55^th) are others to move up among ODI batters.

The ODI bowling rankings see Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai (up 13 places to seventh), Namibia’s Vernard Scholtz (up nine places to eighth), Sri Lanka’s Dumith Wellalage (up eight places to 19^th) and Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi (up 14 places to 27^th) make notable gains. Nabi has also moved up five places to third among all-rounders.

Read next: Where do Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf’s heroics rank among the highest ODI 10th-wicket partnerships?

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Rated – Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma alongside Test cricket’s other most successful captains

Test cricket is widely regarded as the ultimate examination of a player’s mental fortitude, technical skill, and tactical acumen.

For a captain, the burden is doubled, requiring not only individual excellence but also the ability to mastermind 20 wickets while managing complex game scenarios over five gruelling days.

Following Temba Bavuma’s spectacular, match-winning century (179) that led South Africa to a commanding innings victory over Australia in the second Test in Gqeberha, the conversation around outstanding leadership has been reignited.

With only a single loss and a solitary draw spoiling an otherwise flawless captaincy record, Bavuma’s tactical brilliance has propelled him into elite territory.

To understand just how rare this level of dominance is, we look at the top five highest win percentages in Test cricket history among captains who have skippered more than ten Tests.

1. Temba Bavuma (South Africa) – 85.71%

Standing at the pinnacle of Test captaincy efficiency is South Africa’s current leader, Temba Bavuma. Since stepping into the role, Bavuma has injected an unyielding resilience into the Proteas, famously guiding them to an unforgettable ICC World Test Championship mace.

Following his masterclass in Gqeberha, his record stands at an astonishing 12 wins from 14 matches. His solitary defeat came recently against Australia in Durban, and his only draw occurred against the West Indies in 2024.

By winning nearly 86% of his matches as captain while averaging over 54 with the bat during his tenure, Bavuma is currently authoring one of the greatest captaincy chapters the sport has ever seen.

2. Steve Waugh (Australia) – 71.93%

For over two decades, Australian legend Steve Waugh held the gold standard for modern Test leadership. Leadership under Waugh was defined by a ruthless, aggressive brand of cricket known as “mental disintegration.”

Leading arguably the most talented squad in cricket history from 1999 to 2004, Waugh commanded Australia in 57 Test matches, securing 41 victories and losing just 9 times.

His extraordinary 71.93% win rate included a world-record streak of 16 consecutive Test match victories, setting a benchmark for consistency and mental toughness that defined an era.

Also read: Rashid Khan reminds the world just how good he is with another big move in ODI rankings

3. Pat Cummins (Australia) – 62.50%

The modern custodian of Australian cricket, Pat Cummins, slots into the third position on our all-time list. Assuming the captaincy under intense public scrutiny, the elite fast bowler has silenced critics by leading from the front with remarkable poise.

Cummins has marshalled the baggy green in 40 Test matches, capturing 25 wins along the way.

Known for his calm demeanour under high-pressure situations and astute bowling changes, Cummins boasts a stellar 62.50% win percentage, keeping Australia firmly entrenched at the absolute apex of the international red-ball game.

4. Don Bradman (Australia) – 62.50%

Slightly older than the other names on this list Sir Don Bradman’s incredible tactical efficiency—winning 15 out of his 24 Tests in charge (62.50%) is a phenomenal achievement.

Perhaps making Bradman’s job as skipper easier was the fact that he had the best batsman in the history of Test cricket as part of his armoury. With a Test batting average of 99, Bradman wasn’t just an excellent skipper, he was a tactical batting weapon.

5. Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 62.34%

Taking over the reins from Steve Waugh was no small task, but Ricky Ponting carried the torch with immense distinction. Ponting led one of the most clinical, star-studded line-ups the world has ever witnessed, featuring icons like Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.

Across 77 Test matches in charge, “Punter” accumulated an incredible 48 wins. His relentless hunger for victory translated into a 62.34% win rate.

Ponting’s captaincy was punctuated by an uncompromising demand for excellence, ensuring Australia maintained its iron grip on world cricket throughout the mid-to-late 2000s.

6. Virat Kohli (India) – 59.70%

The modern heavyweight volume record belongs to India’s Virat Kohli. Kohli completely transformed India’s Test identity, instilling a fierce, aggressive overseas bowling culture.

Across 67 Tests as captain, Kohli secured 40 victories, yielding a phenomenal 59.70% win percentage that makes him India’s most successful Test captain of all time. Kohli took a good team and transformed them into a relentless winning machine.

Read next: The greatest glovemen – a century, half-ton and seven or more dismissals in the same Test

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Where do the heroics of Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf rank among the highest 10th-wicket partnerships in ODI cricket?

Cricket fans in Lahore witnessed a modern miracle in the fourth ODI of the tri-series as Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf combined for a staggering, unbeaten 89-run tenth-wicket partnership to guide Pakistan to an improbable victory over England.

Coming together with the game seemingly lost, the duo deflated the English bowlers and rewrote the record books. While their heroic match-winning stand will go down in folklore, it also shines a spotlight on the rarest of cricket phenomena: the final-wicket masterclass.

Here is a look at where Pakistan’s heroics rank among the seven highest tenth-wicket partnerships in One Day International history.

1. Viv Richards and Michael Holding (106 runs)

The gold standard for final-wicket partnerships was set over four decades ago in Manchester. On 31 May 1984, the West Indies were in deep trouble against England until the legendary Viv Richards decided to take total control.

Partnered by fast bowler Michael Holding, Richards smashed a breath-taking 189 not out. Holding played his part perfectly, contributing 12 runs to an unbeaten 106-run stand that completely demoralised the hosts.

2. Mohammad Amir and Saeed Ajmal (103 runs)

Before the latest drama, Pakistan already held a prestigious place near the top of this list. On 9 November 2009 in Abu Dhabi, Pakistan collapsed to 101 for 9 while chasing New Zealand‘s total.

Young fast bowler Mohammad Amir and spin maestro Saeed Ajmal refused to surrender, putting on a spectacular 103-run partnership. Though Pakistan narrowly lost the match by seven runs, this defiance remains the only other century-stand for the tenth wicket.

Also read: Where does Matt Renshaw rank in the eyes of the ICC after conquering Kingsmead?

3. Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach (99 runs)

The West Indies struck gold on 2 Dec 2011 in Visakhapatnam against India. The Caribbean side were collapsing rapidly until tailenders Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach united.

Rampaul launched an incredible counter-attack, smashing 86 not out from just 66 balls. Roach anchored the other end to help compile an unbeaten 99-run partnership, falling just one run short of a historic century-stand.

4. Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf (89 runs)

The newest entry on this list belongs to Pakistan’s heroes in Lahore. Facing England, Pakistan’s batting line-up appeared dead and buried until Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf staged their magnificent intervention.

Combining aggressive hitting with clever strike rotation, their unbeaten 89-run stand single-handedly turned what appeared to be a certain defeat into a famous, jaw-dropping ODI cricket victory.

5. Aayan Afzal Khan and Hazrat Bilal (83 runs)

The associate cricket world provided its own slice of history on 18 November 2022 in Kirtipur. Playing against Nepal, the United Arab Emirates looked completely out of options.

Teenager Aayan Afzal Khan showed maturity far beyond his years, anchoring the innings alongside number eleven Hazrat Bilal.

6. Luke Ronchi and Mitchell McClenaghan (76 runs)

New Zealand found themselves in a dire situation against South Africa in Mount Maunganui on 24 October 2014. Wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi decided to launch a counter-offensive from number seven.

When he was joined by fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan for the final wicket, the pair combined for a rapid 76 runs. Ronchi blasted 79 to push the Black Caps to a respectable score.

7. Yasir Shah and Mohammad Amir (76 runs)

Pakistan’s historic knack for lower-order resistance was again evident on 30 August 2016 in Nottingham. Facing a rampant England team, Pakistan’s top order crumbled.

Standing tall at the end, spinner Yasir Shah and paceman Mohammad Amir fought back with an entertaining 76-run partnership. It was Amir’s second appearance in the record books, proving his unique capability as a dangerous final-wicket batsman.

Read next: Where does Australia’s ageing Test XI rank among the oldest in history?

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England suffer astonishing defeat by Pakistan after Shadab’s remarkable reprieve

England suffer astonishing defeat by Pakistan after Shadab’s remarkable reprieve

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Harry Brook hits historic double century – but England still lose to Sri Lanka

Harry Brook hits historic double century – but England still lose to Sri Lanka

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