George Linde Joins South Africa Squad as Travelling Reserve: Report
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Synopsis
George Linde has been appointed as a travelling reserve for South Africa's Champions Trophy team, providing cover for Aiden Markram, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Linde's inclusion comes as South Africa navigates through injury challenges within their squad.
Key Takeaways
- George Linde added to South Africa's Champions Trophy squad.
- Aiden Markram is injured and undergoing fitness tests.
- Linde comes off a strong performance in SA20.
- South Africa has faced multiple injuries in the squad.
- Captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi have recovered.
Lahore, March 4 (NationPress) Left-arm spin-bowling allrounder George Linde has been included in the South African team as a travelling reserve for the Champions Trophy, stepping in for Aiden Markram, who is dealing with a right hamstring injury, according to a report.
Markram suffered this injury during fielding against England and had to remain on the sidelines for the rest of the match. His status for the semi-final against New Zealand will be assessed after a fitness test in Tuesday evening's training session.
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, Linde's addition is part of South Africa's backup strategy, especially if they advance to the final in Dubai, where drier conditions may require an extra spinner.
Linde comes off a successful SA20 season, playing a significant role in MI Cape Town’s first title victory. Over 11 matches, he accumulated 161 runs at a strike rate of 153.33 and took 11 wickets with an impressive economy of 6.29. Recently, he also played for Western Province in the One-Day Challenge Division One, where he scored 106 runs and took four wickets in five matches.
The report further mentioned that captain Temba Bavuma and batter Tony de Zorzi have recovered from their illnesses and will participate in the training session on Tuesday evening.
South Africa has faced significant injury challenges throughout the tournament, with key bowlers Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams all ruled out prior to the tournament. Meanwhile, left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka remains part of the squad as a travelling reserve.
