Former Proteas batsman Hashim Amla says Temba Buvuma should be pushed up the order following the Test retirement of Quinton de Kock.
De Kock announced his shock retirement from the five-day game just hours after the Proteas’ 113-run defeat to India in Centurion.
Buvuma, batting at No 5, was South Africa’s top-scorer in their first innings of 197 with 52, and made an unbeaten 35 in the second innings as the hosts were dismissed for 191.
“Our two best batters in the middle are Temba and Quinton,” Amla told the CSA website. “Now that Quinton has opted out of Test cricket, this cripples the batting line-up further and really, now more than ever, it makes it imperative for Temba to bat higher.
“Be it three or four, allow him time to play a solidifying role as opposed to a recovery one.”
Buvuma has produced several fighting knocks during his 45-Test career but scored just one Test hundred – against England in January 2016 – while averaging 33.09.
He and other SA top-order batsmen like Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen have often come to the crease with the team under early pressure, with captain Dean Elgar admitting after the Centurion Test that he and fellow opener Aiden Markram need to get the Proteas off to better starts.
“Dean and Aiden are class players with a pedigree for hundreds and if they get momentum, it would certainly ease the nerves and give much-needed confidence for the younger guys,” said Amla.
The 38-year-old, who made 9,282 runs in 124 Tests from 2004 to 2019, believes the Proteas can bounce back in the second clash against India at the Wanderers from 3 January.
“There’s certainly a way back but it’s going to take laser-like focus for extended periods and a touch of fortune,” he added.
