Centurion, South Africa

Cricket South Africa (CSA) released a medical update on Temba Bavuma Thursday (Dec 28) after the skipper was forced to sit out of the Centurion Test match due to a hamstring strain. Bavuma, injured during the 20th over on Day 1 of the Indian innings did not come out to bat in his side’s first innings as South Africa were bowled out for 408 but took a lead of 163 runs. Bavuma will be called to the pitch only if he is needed in a crisis situation in the final innings.

Advertisment

×

Update on Bavuma

“Following continuous medical assessments, it was determined that there was too much of a risk of aggravating his left hamstring injury had he gone out to bat at this stage of the game. The medical team are managing him to give him the best chance to bat should he be required in the 4th innings,” CSA stated in a statement on their social media handle.

Advertisment

The hosts were dealt a huge blow after skipper Bavuma was seen limping off the field in the first session of Day 1. It was reported that Bavuma was suffering from a hamstring issue which saw him unofficially get ruled out of the rest of the match. He was since not seen on the field and underwent scans which have revealed the extent of the injury.

ALSO READ | AUS v PAK: Play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG during Boxing Day Test

However, the CSA’s statement has not ruled out Bavuma entirely from the match despite him not coming out to bat in South Africa’s second innings. The Proteas were bowled out for 408 with only nine wickets fallen, before they decided to call it a day.

Advertisment

At the time of writing, South Africa might not need Bavuma’s service in the second innings as India were 113/8 in their second innings and still trailed by 50 runs. As things stand, India are losing by an innings and still need 50 runs to avoid the catastrophe of embarrassing defeat.