SA coach Rob Walter said he was “proud” of Temba Bavuma despite the injured captain being unable to break the country’s World Cup jinx. Image: ICC Cricket World Cup
Proteas’ Bavuma not ‘100 percent’ fit for World Cup semi-final
South Africa’s World Cup hopes hang in the balance as captain Temba Bavuma faces fitness dilemma ahead of Semi-Final clash with Australia
SA coach Rob Walter said he was “proud” of Temba Bavuma despite the injured captain being unable to break the country’s World Cup jinx. Image: ICC Cricket World Cup
Injured South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma on Wednesday said he is not “100 percent” and the team will decide later if he is fit enough to play in the World Cup semi-final against Australia.
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Bavuma not fit
Bavuma, an opening batsman, struggled with his hamstring in the win over Afghanistan and remains in doubt for Thursday’s game in Kolkata.
“Physically I feel alright. Obviously not 100 percent,” Bavuma told reporters.
“So this day becomes important in terms of a decision about tomorrow. I’m quite confident, but it’s not a unilateral decision that will be made.”
ALSO READ: Bavuma set to be available for Proteas World Cup semi-final
On his mindset on the eve of the semi-final, Bavuma added: “A bit nervous of the game. It will be our first semi-final as a team. But I think the feeling is no different from any game that we’ve encountered within the World Cup.”
ALSO READ: “It’s a challenge for Proteas to bat second” admits Bavuma
Hamstring
Bavuma, 33, strained his hamstring during the win over Afghanistan last Friday and hobbled while batting for his 23 runs.
The captain has already missed two games at the World Cup through illness.
ALSO READ: Kolisi urges South Africans to get behind Bavuma and the Proteas
Coach Rob Walter said Tuesday the team will “not give Bavuma extra protection if the injury does not heal sufficiently and inhibits his play”.
© Agence France-Presse
