Why Is Bavuma Missing the Zimbabwe Tests? Maharaj to Lead South Africa

Johannesburg, June 20 (NationPress) The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma, has been sidelined from the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring strain that he sustained during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord's last week.

Bavuma, who is scheduled to undergo additional scans to evaluate the severity of the injury, played through the discomfort during the second innings, delivering a crucial performance with a score of 66 alongside Aiden Markram's 136, which helped secure the WTC title.

In Bavuma's absence, Keshav Maharaj will take the reins as captain for the series that kicks off on June 28 in Bulawayo. This series also signifies the beginning of the new WTC cycle for both teams.

Cricket South Africa announced on X, "Proteas Men’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring strain."

"Bavuma experienced the injury while batting during South Africa’s second innings on the third day of the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia at Lord’s. He will undergo further scans to assess the injury's extent. In his absence, Keshav Maharaj will lead the team," they added.

The Proteas squad features five uncapped players as South Africa has decided to rest several key all-format players, including Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi will be available only for the second Test.

This incident marks Bavuma's third hamstring injury in less than two years. He previously sustained an injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he played the semi-final while injured, and again during the Boxing Day Test against India. Additionally, he has faced ongoing elbow issues and often competes with his left elbow heavily bandaged.

After the Zimbabwe series, where Bavuma might make a return, South Africa's schedule includes ODIs against Australia in August and England in September. Their next WTC campaign starts against Pakistan in October, followed by a tour of India in November.

Importantly, South Africa will not host a home Test until October 2026, when they face Australia. Bavuma has expressed his ambition to continue playing until the 2027 home ODI World Cup, contingent on his fitness.

The South Africa squad includes: David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj (capt), Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi (second Test only), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Lesego Senokwane, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne, Codi Yusuf.