Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma revealed he was too overcome with emotion after being dismissed to watch most of the tense climax of the first Test, against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday.
South Africa resumed on their overnight score of 27/3 in pursuit of 148 to win, and lost just one more wicket on their way to 96/4.
It was then that the Proteas collapsed to 99/8. The dismissal which set the ball rolling was that of Bavuma, who was caught behind for 40.
Replays, however, showed that Bavuma in fact did not hit the ball as it brushed his thigh pad which meant had he reviewed the decision he would have batted on
Though South Africa went on to win and book their place in the World Test Championship final in June at Lord’s in London, it was all too much to bear for Bavuma after he stormed back into the changeroom.
When asked after the match what was the conversation with Kagiso Rabada (31 not out) and Marco Jansen (16 not out), Bavuma made the admission that he was not really involved.
“There wasn't much conversation, to be honest. I was still sulking in the toilets,” Bavuma told SuperSport.
“I guess I think the other guys, Aiden [Markram] leading the boys, I think he kept them going.
“We were obviously trying to stay positive, but there wasn't a lot of conversation. I'd like to say that there was still confidence and belief in us doing it.”
“Obviously KG and Jansen were able to do it.”
Bavuma, however, said he was able to catch the end of the game.
“I came out when we needed about 15 runs. I didn't come out fully into the viewing area. I was always there at the back. It was a tough one. It's not often that you get that emotional.”