Temba Bavuma says he is not fazed by critics who don’t think he deserves his spot in South Africa’s Test side. 

Bavuma’s 95 not out was pivotal to his side taking full control of the Test and drawing closer to making history with a first series win against the Baggy Greens at home since re-admission.

ALSO READ: Philander leads Aussie rout

The 27-year-old played a gritty knock as he supported the tail-enders, particular Keshav Maharaj, who scored 45 and lost his wicket before he could help Bavuma complete a milestone.

‘I think they should keep coming, they should keep going,’ said Bavuma when asked about his critics. ‘For some people, those things put them down, for others, it fires them up and I think I’m one of those people.

‘Whatever you do, you will always have critics. I’m sure AB de Villiers has critics where he is sitting at the moment. It doesn’t really change the person I am.

‘Whether you think I’m a good player or a bad player, it doesn’t really matter, I’m not going to lose sleep over it. They can keep saying what they want.’

Morne Morkel was distraught after suffering a first-ball duck to leave Bavuma five short of his second Test ton.

‘Morne was very disappointed. He did throw some profanities. I felt for him and it kind of took away the disappointment I had. You almost had to give him a shoulder to cry on,’ said Bavuma.

‘I would never be cross at Morne or the other batter [Maharaj]. I can only look at myself and my innings and say maybe there were opportunities I let go to help me turn it into a hundred.

‘In saying that, I take a lot of confidence and comfort from the fact that I could assist the team in getting them into such a strong position.’

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix