The 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC25) cycle has seen both Temba Bavuma and Steve Smith play pivotal roles for their respective teams, South Africa and Australia. Here’s a comprehensive comparison of their performances and impact during this period:
Bavuma vs Smith Performance Comparison
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Centuries | Notable Contributions |
| Temba Bavuma | 11 Innings | 609 | 60.90 | 2 | Led SA to 7 wins in last 8, vital middle-order runs. |
| Steve Smith | 32 Innings | 1,324 | 41.37 | 2+ | Key in AUS’s subcontinent wins, 10,000 Test runs milestone. |
- Bavuma missed the first five of South Africa’s six initial Tests but returned to amass 609 runs from 11 innings at a remarkable average of 60.90, including two centuries. His leadership has been instrumental, guiding South Africa to 10 wins in 14 Tests as captain, with a particularly impressive seven-match winning streak.
- Smith has been a mainstay in Australia’s batting, scoring 1,324 runs at 41.37 during the WTC25 cycle. He played a crucial role in Australia’s 2-0 sweep in Sri Lanka and scored a century in the previous WTC final against India, also reaching the 10,000 Test runs milestone.
Impact and Leadership
Temba Bavuma: Bavuma’s impact extends beyond his batting. As captain, he has fostered a winning culture, averaging 57.78 as skipper and steering South Africa to the WTC final for the first time. His calm leadership and ability to deliver under pressure have stabilized a relatively inexperienced batting lineup.
Steve Smith: Smith remains Australia’s batting anchor, especially in challenging conditions. His experience and technical prowess have been vital in Australia’s overseas successes, particularly in the subcontinent and during high-stakes matches like the WTC final.
Key Match-Ups
Bavuma vs Pat Cummins : Bavuma’s ability to counter Pat Cummins, one of the world’s premier fast bowlers, will be crucial in the WTC final. Cummins has taken 73 wickets in this cycle, posing a significant threat to Bavuma and South Africa’s hopes.
Smith vs Marco Jansen: Smith faces the challenge of South Africa’s left-arm seamer Marco Jansen, who has proven effective against right-handers. This contest is seen as a classic battle between experience and youth.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Temba Bavuma | Steve Smith |
| Role | Captain, Middle-order Batter | Senior Batter |
| Batting Avg | 60.90 (WTC25 cycle) | 41.37 (WTC25 cycle) |
| Centuries | 2 | 2+ |
| Leadership | Led SA to 10 wins in 14 as captain | Key in AUS’s subcontinent wins |
| Highlight | 7-match winning streak as captain | 10,000 Test runs, WTC Final ton |
Conclusion
- Bavuma has had a more impactful WTC25 cycle in terms of average and leadership, driving South Africa’s resurgence and WTC final qualification with consistent, high-pressure performances.
- Smith remains a world-class batter, contributing significant runs and experience, especially in critical matches and overseas tours.
Also Read: Stuart Broad Joins South Africa as Consultant for WTC Final vs Australia
Both players are central to their teams’ fortunes, but Bavuma’s exceptional average and leadership edge him as the standout performer in the WTC25 cycle so far.
