South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, will be absent from his team’s two World Cup warm-up matches due to family-related travel. South Africa is scheduled to face Afghanistan and New Zealand on September 29 and October 2 in Thiruvananthapuram, and during Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram will take up the leadership role.
Bavuma is anticipated to rejoin the squad in time for South Africa’s World Cup opener against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.
It’s worth noting that South Africa is already without fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala for the entire tournament due to injuries. Nortje is dealing with a suspected stress fracture of the back, while Magala has a left knee injury.
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Following his impressive unbeaten 114 against Australia in the first ODI earlier this month, Bavuma experienced a hamstring issue but was fit for the subsequent two matches. However, he later suffered an inner thigh muscle strain and was rested from the fourth ODI as a precaution. Bavuma returned for the final game of the series but was dismissed for a two-ball duck.
During Bavuma’s absence in the warm-up matches, Reeza Hendricks may partner with Quinton de Kock as the opening pair.