Cricket South Africa have explained why captain Temba Bavuma did not bat toward the end of the Proteas’ innings on day three of this week’s first Test against India at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
The Proteas responded to India’s 245 all out with 408 for nine. Bavuma did not join all-rounder Marco Jansen at the fall of the ninth wicket after sustaining a hamstring injury earlier in the match. Jansen ended with 84 not out.
“Following continuous medical assessments, it was determined there was too much of a risk of aggravating his injury, had he gone out to bat at this stage of the game,” read a statement from CSA.
“The medical team are managing him to give him the best chance to bat, should he be required in the fourth innings.”
As it would turn out, the South African skipper wouldn’t be required in the fourth innings as Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Nandre Burger tore through the Indian batting line up as the Proteas beat India by an innings and 32 runs.
Whether Bavuma will be fit enough to be named in South Africa’s XI for next week’s second and final Test of the series at Newlands in Cape Town remains in the balance.
