Temba Bavuma Expresses Jealousy Over Ashes 2025 Amid South Africa's Test Challenges

Temba Bavuma, the South African cricket captain, expressed his envy while watching the Ashes 2025 series, highlighting the contrast between the five-match series and South Africa's two-Test contest against India. He hopes for more extensive series in the future and discusses the challenges of scheduling in international cricket. Bavuma's leadership has seen South Africa achieve significant victories, including a recent win against India, as they aim to make history in their upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 22, 2025, 09:36 IST

Bavuma's Envy for the Ashes Series

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa's Test and ODI teams, openly expressed his envy while watching the ongoing Ashes 2025 series between Australia and England, which kicked off at Perth's Optus Stadium.

The first day of the Ashes 2025 Test was historic, with a record 19 wickets falling, showcasing a thrilling pace-dominated contest that left both sides struggling. Australian bowler Mitchell Starc took seven wickets, dismissing England for 172 runs, while England's captain Ben Stokes claimed five wickets, limiting Australia to 123/9 by the end of Day 1.

A Bit of Jealousy

During a press conference prior to the second Test against India in Guwahati, Bavuma shared that he and his teammates watched the Ashes opener with a sense of jealousy, recognizing that Australia and England were engaged in a five-match Test series, while South Africa was restricted to just two Tests against India.

Bavuma expressed hope for more extensive series in the future, stating, "We woke up this morning to watch the Ashes. We watched with a bit of jealousy, knowing that they were playing five Tests. They'll be going at each other." He added, "Hopefully, not too far in the future, but more in the near future, we'll go back to play four Tests against India."

Test Series Format Concerns

The current Test series between South Africa and India has been limited to two matches since the 2022-23 season, as part of a Future Tours Programme that has curtailed longer series for the Proteas. In contrast, the Ashes series maintains its traditional five-Test format, underscoring its historical significance and global appeal.

Bavuma further elaborated on the scheduling issues, stating that players have no say in how many matches are scheduled in a series. He noted, "Players are not involved when it comes to mapping out the schedule. I think every one of our players who have had the opportunity to interact with the media have faced that question. They have voiced their frustrations."

South Africa's Recent Performance

Under Bavuma's leadership, South Africa secured a 30-run victory in the opening Test against India at Eden Gardens, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. This win positions the Proteas to potentially make history by winning a Test series in India for the first time since their 1999-2000 tour.

Since taking over as captain, Bavuma has led South Africa in 11 Tests, achieving 10 victories and just one draw.