Temba Bavuma looking likely to miss out on SA20

Injury could prevent Temba Bavuma from taking any part in the upcoming Betway SA20 tournament.

Bavuma was signed to the Sunrisers Eastern Cape but it looks like the hanstring complaint that has dogged him all summer might just rule him out.

New stars could come out with Temba Bavuma on the shelf

The championship success of the Gqeberha-based squad was founded on getting the most outstanding youthful talent available, as well as dedicated international pros who were able to rapidly join together and build an unshakeable team spirit. As a result, Adam Rossington, Sisanda Magala, Ottniel Baartman, and Jordan Hermann all contributed to the ‘Orange Army’s’ triumph.

ALSO READ: Proteas star nominated for ICC emerging player award

They also had the eventual Player of the Tournament in skipper Aiden Markram and a ‘Bulldog’ in Season 1 bowler Roelof van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe will not be available for Season 2, but the Sunrisers have made enough preparations. England all-rounder Liam Dawson has been signed, while Jon-Jon Smuts has been swapped for Simon Harmer. 

ALSO READ: Where does Dean Elgar rank among South Africa’s top Test scorers

The Sunrisers are well aware that teams will no longer underestimate them, but astute coach Adi Birrell – who has added the similarly seasoned Russell Domingo to his staff – will have undoubtedly prepared his squad for that as they attempt to defend their championship successfully.

SEASON 2 SQUAD

ALSO READ: How cricket star handles social media abuse

Tom Abell, Ottniel Baartman, Temba Bavuma, Liam Dawson (ENG). Sarel Erwee, Aya Gqamane, Simon Harmer, Jordan Hermann, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Dawid Malan (ENG), Aiden Markram (captain), Craig Overton (ENG), Adam Rossington, Caleb Seleka, Andile Simelane, Tristan Stubbs, Beyers Swanepoel, Daniel Worrall.

New signings: Simon Harmer (trade-in from Durban’s Super Giants), Liam Dawson (ENG – pre-signing), Dawid Malan (ENG – pre-signing), Beyers Swanepoel (auction), Caleb Seleka (auction), Andile Simelane (rookie), Daniel Worrall (AUS – replacement).

ALSO READ: The real reason Proteas star Dean Elgar is retiring revealed

Outs: Jon-Jon Smuts (trade-out to Durban’s Super Giants). Roelof van der Merwe (NETH), Marques Ackerman, Jordan Cox (ENG). Mason Crane (ENG), Junaid Dawood, James Fuller (ENG), Brydon Carse (ENG), Craig Overton (ENG – Wildcard).