South Africa’s preparations for the ODI World Cup 2023 have taken a hit before the event has started. Ahead of South Africa’s two warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand, their skipper, Temba Bavuma, is set to leave the squad.
In a statement, Cricket South Africa detailed the reason behind Bavuma missing two pivotal games and also named his replacement for the warm-ups.
“Bavuma will miss the two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand on 29 September and 02 October respectively. Aiden Markram will captain the side in his absence”
CSA said in a statement
The opener will fly back home due to family reasons, the details of which haven’t been revealed yet. In his absence, Proteas T20I skipper Aiden Markram will lead the side in the upcoming warm-up matches.
South Africa takes on Afghanistan in their first warm-up fixture in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday before completing their preparations for the tournament against the Kiwis at the same Greenfield Stadium venue on October 2.
Bavuma, who has been in splendid touch of late, scored an exception ton against Australia in Bloemfontein earlier this month. He will return to India ahead of their opening match at the World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
The World Cup 2023 campaign can serve as a final chance for glory for the majority of the Proteas side, with players including skipper Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller aging, and others like Quinton de Kock retiring from ODIs to focus on franchise cricket.
This is combined with the loss of key players Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala, and Proteas fans will be hoping that their skipper joins the side just in time for their ODI World Cup campaign.
South Africa World Cup 2023 Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen
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