England vs South Africa 2017, 1st Test: 5 talking points

#2 The Bavuma factor

Giving Bavuma more responsibility could be the way to go for the Proteas

With Faf du Plessis missing out, South Africa needed their middle-order men to put their hands up and make good contributions. Although, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock and Theunis de Bruyn put in confidence-inspiring performances none of them could don the anchor role.

Hashim Amla has looked out of sorts so far in the series and the visitors need one of their lower order men to step up and do the job of the fulcrum. Given his high temperament and composure, Bavuma is the right man for South Africa. A promotion to number five in the absence of Faf du Plessis should give him some much-needed confidence and South Africa should trust him to continue that job right through the series.