Proteas captain Temba Bavuma raises his bat. Photo: Twitter

Proteas coach makes it clear: We will continue to back Bavuma!

The Proteas have made it clear that there is no possibility of captain Temba Bavuma being dropped for this Thursday’s semi-final.

by Craig Lewis

14-11-2023 15:07

in Cricket World Cup 2023

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma raises his bat. Photo: Twitter

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma seems on track to be available for the Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia on Thursday, and notably has teh backing of coach Rob Walter.

Bavuma sustained a right hamstring strain during Friday’s Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad, and while he wasn’t sent for a scan, there have been question marks over whether he might be in doubt for this Thursday’s semi-final.

Cricket South Africa on Saturday said Bavuma has “showed an improvement overnight”, as per ESPN, and the latest reports suggest he is showing improved mobility at the start of the week.

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PROTEAS BACKING BAVUMA

Bavuma has struggled to find form in this World Cup, and with an average around 20, many have suggested Reeza Hendricks should be the obvious choice to replace him.

However, Walter has said this is not being considered right now.

“Temba hasn’t come up in the conversation of being dropped because of form, because he has been one our best batsmen this year.

“He hasn’t scored the runs he would have wanted to in the World Cup, but every training he looks like he is close and every innings he looks like he is close. A good score is just around the corner from him.

“We will hopefully make a call earlier than the morning of the game. In an ideal world I want to give Temba as much time to play for his country,” added Walter. “We’re taking it day by day and will make a decision as soon as we can.”

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