Interim team director Enoch Nkwe has lauded Cricket South Africa’s promotion of batsman Temba Bavuma.

Bavuma has been elevated to vice-captain of the Test team and included in the T20I squad, ahead of September and October 2019’s tour of India.

Nkwe and Bavuma worked together during the 2018-19 season, when the Lions won the 4-Day Fraanchise Series and the CSA T20 Challenge.

‘Temba, just as a human being is brilliant. He’s been fantastic for Lions cricket and South African cricket,’ said Nkwe.

‘The key learnings from international cricket that he shared at the Lions helped us to drive the Lions way and helped the entire squad grow in a short period of time.

‘To see him being part of the squads going forward and seeing him given a strong backing from CSA is very exciting.

‘He has been part of the Test group for some time and he has built strong relationships. I strongly feel like South Africa is in good hands with Temba.’

While Nkwe has effectively succeeded former head coach Ottis Gibson on an interim basis, Test captain Faf du Plessis has been retained.

‘Temba will keep learning alongside Faf, who has done a very good job over the years. Let’s see how things unfold in the next couple of months and years,’ added Nkwe.

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