Proteas Test vice-captain Temba Bavuma says his relationship with captain Dean Elgar is built on “honesty and no bulls**t”.

Speaking ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, which starts in Christchurch on Friday, Bavuma said they wanted to “bring respect back to the Proteas badge and we’d like to leave the Proteas in a much- better state than it was in when we came in”.

While South Africa achieved that with a come-from-behind 2-1 Test series win over India at home, a lot of that good work was undone when they suffered a humiliating innings-and-276-run defeat by the Black Caps at Hagley Oval last week.

Bavuma and Elgar will have important roles to play if the Proteas are to regain some pride in the second Test.

“We have frequent conversations, even though Dean isn’t involved in the white-ball side, but from a cultural and environmental point of view, he’s as involved as anyone and he knows that,” Bavuma said when asked about their relationship.

“We’re there to support each other and we’re in this cause together. His success is my success and vice versa.

“Our relationship has always been one that’s built on honesty and no bulls**t, if I could use that word.”

Bavuma was the Proteas’ best batsman in the first Test, scoring a fighting 41 in the second innings as they were bowled out for 111. But he said personal form meant little if the side was struggling.

“It’s difficult to separate an individual’s performance from the team’s, especially after the showing we had.

“There are positives with my game and I’m far from being down and out. However, the team is in a space where we need someone to put up their hand.

“As much as my form has been decent over the last while, while there is still a concern with the team, I won’t be fully happy with myself.”

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