Will South African batter Temba Bavuma play in the IND vs SA Test series? The question arises after the news of the Proteas skipper missing the domestic first-class fixture between Lions and the Dolphins became public. Bavuma, who hasn’t featured for South Africa since the semi-final defeat to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will miss the preparatory game with a ‘personal matter’.
Bavuma had a forgettable ODI World Cup with the bat. The South African captain failed to get a single half-century in the tournament. He had a highest score of 35 in the World Cup, as his ordinary batting form posed problems for South Africa.
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Bavuma kept himself out of the White Ball series against India, with Aiden Markram chosen to lead the Proteas in the IND vs SA T20I and ODI series. Bavuma was supposed to return to the Proteas team in the IND vs SA two-match Test series. As part of the Test series’ preparation, Bavuma was scheduled to play in the domestic match between Lions and the Dolphins. However, Lions in a statement on Thursday said Bavuma will not be available for the match as he has a ‘personal matter to attend’.
While there is no word yet on what the ‘personal matter’ might be, his exclusion puts him in doubt for the IND vs SA 1st Test scheduled to be played from 26th December.
Proteas already battling injury issues
If Bavuma is indeed absent from the first Test, it will be a huge worry for South Africa who are already battling some injury issues. Anrich Nortje is out for the Proteas as he continues to recover from a back injury he picked up in the domestic series against Australia prior to the WC.
The South African selectors are also uncertain about the inclusion of Lungi Ngidi who missed out from the IND vs SA T20I squad after suffering a late injury. If Bavuma is forced to sit out of the IND vs SA 1st Test, South Africa will have whole new problem in their hands.
