Temba Bavuma is confident of being match fit for South Africa’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, on Thursday.
Bavuma sustained a hamstring injury during the Proteas’ final round-robin fixture of the tournament against Afghanistan.
“Physically, I feel alright – obviously not 100 percent,” said Bavuma on Wednesday.
“So obviously today becomes important in terms of the decision about matchday. I’m quite confident, but it’s not a unilateral decision that will be made.
“I think it’s just using the day to continue with my rehabilitation and I’ll be doing some fielding stuff. I can’t tell you medically, but I think for me, from a feeling point of view, that’s what I can attest to.”
Bavuma has scored 145 runs in seven innings – for an average of 20.71 – at this tournament.
Mluleki Ntsabo, Makhaya Ntini, Monde Zondeki, and Nono Pongolo look at the importance of having Temba Bavuma lead the Proteas, despite him not lighting up the scorecards at the #CWC23 👇#Mayibuye #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/FxpzGmDaaa
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 13, 2023
If unfit for the fixture against Australia, Bavuma will likely be replaced in the XI by fellow batsman Reeza Hendricks.
Hendricks has played two matches this tournament. He hit 85 against England and 12 against Bangladesh.
“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 Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter.
“We’re taking it day by day and will make a decision as soon as we can.”
Thursday’s winner will meet India in Sunday’s Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad. India beat New Zealand in Wednesday’s first semi-final.
