Temba Bavuma revels in "best" form as South Africa Test return looms

A career-best 180 for Lions boosts hopes of a recall for the fourth Test, a selection decision which could be forced on The Proteas

• South Africa hub
• Rabada banned

Temba Bavuma believes his highest career score was the best of his career as the South Africa batsman pushes for a Test recall.

The 29-year-old struck 180 for Lions against Dolphins in the Four-Day Franchise Series, though it was not enough to prevent defeat in Pietermaritzburg.

Bavuma was in line to play the first Test against England at Centurion before withdrawing through injury.

Despite returning to full fitness he was not recalled for the second or third Tests in Cape Town or Port Elizabeth and was told to find form in domestic cricket.

"It was massive," Bavuma told Gameplan Media after his second innings century.

"It was nice to be in the middle. That's where you can practice and practice and set your goals. What you do there is what matters. You can get your mind in the right space.

"From a personal point of view, obviously it's always awesome to contribute to the team. 

"I have been someone who's been trying to rack up those big scores. Fortunately, today was that opportunity and I was able to grab it with both hands. I played close to my best."

Kagiso Rabada's suspension for the fourth Test at the Wanderers might all-but guarantee that Bavuma returns.

South Africa are short of their target of fielding an average of six players of colour, two of which must be black African, across the season.