South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the second Test against Bangladesh due to an elbow injury that has not sufficiently healed. The match is set to begin on Tuesday, and in Bavuma’s absence, Aiden Markram will lead the team.
Bavuma, who also missed the first Test in Mirpur, is currently undergoing rehabilitation after sustaining the injury during an ODI against Ireland earlier this month. The injury occurred when he fell awkwardly while running, forcing him to retire hurt with a score of 35. It is the same elbow that had troubled him during a T20I tour of India in 2022, which sidelined him for South Africa’s tour of England.
South Africa’s Test coach, Shukri Conrad, confirmed Bavuma’s unavailability, stating, “We just feel medically he’s not going to be ready for the second Test. We will tone down the rehabilitation programme so that he can be ready for the Sri Lankan series next month.”
There is no decision yet on whether Bavuma will remain in Bangladesh for support or return home to focus on recovery. “I’d like him to stay [in Bangladesh], and I’ve communicated that with him,” Conrad added. “But I also know that he’s got a young family.”
The first-class competition is set to begin next week, where Bavuma’s domestic team, the Lions, will play three matches before the first Test against Sri Lanka.
In Bavuma’s absence, Matthew Breetzke, who made his Test debut in the first match, may retain his position at No. 6, unless the team opts for additional allrounders or bowlers. Left-hander Senuran Muthusamy is also a potential replacement.
South Africa triumphed in the Mirpur Test, dismissing Bangladesh for just 106 in their first innings. Kagiso Rabada starred with the ball, taking nine wickets in the match, including his 300th Test wicket and his first five-for in the subcontinent.
“We are an inexperienced side but we still need our leaders,” Conrad noted, praising Rabada’s contributions. “KB led from the front there with the ball. He carried this attack, as he has done for quite a while now.”
Kyle Verreynne also impressed, scoring his second Test century. The team’s composed performance has kept them in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship final, with five Tests remaining in the current cycle.
Looking ahead, South Africa is currently fourth on the WTC points table and must win at least four of their remaining matches to have a shot at the final. “We know that there’s some hard graft that’s going to have to be done along the way,” Conrad said. “The World Test Championship is our World Cup, but we’re certainly not going to bask in the glory of that victory too much.”
Read This:- South Africa tour of Bangladesh, 2024
South Africa Test Squad for Second Test Against Bangladesh
– Aiden Markram (captain)
– David Bedingham
– Matthew Breetzke
– Dewald Brevis
– Tony de Zorzi
– Keshav Maharaj
– Wiaan Mulder
– Senuran Muthusamy
– Lungi Ngidi
– Dane Paterson
– Dane Piedt
– Kagiso Rabada
– Tristan Stubbs
– Ryan Rickelton
– Kyle Verreynne
As South Africa prepares for the challenges ahead, the team will look to maintain its momentum and strengthen its position in the World Test Championship standings.
