South African Test captain Temba Bavuma made history by becoming the first Proteas skipper to lift the World Test Championship (WTC) mace after South Africa’s thrilling victory over Australia at Lord’s in 2025.
Australia were bundled out for 212 in the first innings, thanks to a brilliant five-wicket haul by Kagiso Rabada. South Africa replied with 138 but bounced back to bowl Australia out for 207 in the third innings. Chasing 282 runs in the fourth innings, Aiden Markram’s sparkling century (136) and Bavuma’s crucial fifty (66) led the Proteas to a historic five-wicket win, marking a proud moment for South African cricket and their captain.
Here’s a look at the top 6 captains with the best records in their first 10 Tests, featuring Temba Bavuma at the pinnacle:
#6 Ricky Ponting
The former Australian captain and World Cup winner led Australia in 77 Tests, winning 48 with a win percentage of 62.33%. In his first 10 Tests as captain (2004–2010), Ponting won eight matches, lost one, and drew one.
#5 Lindsay Hassett
Australian batter Lindsay Hassett captained the side from 1949 to 1953, leading 24 Tests and winning 14. His first 10 Tests as captain included eight wins, one loss, and one draw.
#4 Johnny Douglas
English all-rounder Johnny Douglas captained England from his debut in 1911, leading 18 Tests between 1911 and 1924. In his first 10 as captain, Douglas notched eight wins, one loss, and one draw.
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#3 Warwick Armstrong
Armstrong, one of Australia’s oldest captains, led for a brief stint from 1920 to 1921. He captained 10 Tests with an unbeaten record: eight wins and two draws.
#2 Percy Chapman
England’s Percy Chapman captained between 1926 and 1931. In his first 10 Tests as captain, Chapman achieved nine wins and just one loss.
#1 Temba Bavuma
Temba Bavuma tops this elite list. Since becoming South Africa’s Test captain in 2023, he has led the team in 10 Tests, winning nine and drawing one—remaining undefeated as captain in the format.
