AUSTRALIA TOUR TO SA
Zaahier Adams|Published
Temba Bavuma has admitted the Proteas are still searching for a settled opening partnership after fielding yet another new top-order combination in the second Test against Australia at St George's Park.
Debutant Marques Ackerman was thrust into the role alongside Aiden Markram after injury ruled out Tony de Zorzi, while Ryan Rickelton dropped down the order to take over the wicketkeeping duties following the omission of Kyle Verreynne.
The reshuffle extended South Africa's search for stability at the top of the order, with Bavuma acknowledging that the Proteas have yet to settle on their preferred opening combination.
Temba Bavuma admits the World Test Champions are still searching for the best top-order batting combinations.
"I mean, if I think about it, the last two years, we have been chopping and changing," Bavuma said.
"So I think, you know, we're still in that phase where we're looking for that solidity up front, whoever's going to partner Aiden."
Rickelton had been Markram's opening partner for the previous seven Tests, but he has also come under pressure for his place after scoring just one half-century since his epic 259 against Pakistan in the 2025 New Year's Test at Newlands.
The spotlight now falls on Ackerman, whose maiden Test innings was interrupted by rain after he survived a challenging opening examination from Australia's seam attack to reach five not out at stumps.
The left-hander arrived with an imposing first-class record, although much of his recent success has come at first drop and in the middle order.
Howevever, he is not the first South African batter to be asked to adapt.
Herschelle Gibbs made a successful transition to opening the batting and finished with an average of 47.22 in 68 Tests at the top of the order, while Neil McKenzie enjoyed the most productive spell of his Test career after being promoted to open.
Bavuma hopes Ackerman can make the position his own.
"Sometimes certain guys are going to have to do the heavy lifting," he said.
"But it's exciting having Ackerman there. Hopefully he can make that spot his own."
The Proteas closed a rain-affected opening day on 20/2 after 12.2 overs, with Ackerman (5*) and Bavuma (4*) due to resume on Monday morning.
"Every day is important," Bavuma said.
"This one is probably a little more important. You want to keep the series alive first and foremost, and then there's the bigger picture of the World Test Championship that we always keep one eye on."