AUS vs SA: Temba Bavuma Nears Fitness Ahead Of Semi-Final; Takes Part In Optional Training Session - Reports

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma is nearing full fitness ahead of the semi-final against Australia in the ICC World Cup 2023. He took part in the optional training session at Eden Garden in Kolkata on Monday (13th November).

Temba Bavuma was part of the training session for 30 minutes. The South African skipper ran two laps around the boundary ropes and then also took part in fitness drills. He was keenly observed by physiotherapist Sizwe Hadebe and the strength and conditioning coach Runeshan Moodley.

After taking part in the fitness drills, Teamba Bavuma then under some shuttle runs. He was seen increasing his pace both frontwards and backward. The reports suggested that he felt good while running but occasionally felt discomfort and bent over with his hands on his sides.

Temba Bavuma also padded up and did shadow batting with a stump in his hand. He batted with stumps and even went down the track to play some shots. He also had a lengthy conversation with coach Rob Walter.

Temba Bavuma suffered a hamstring injury during South Africa’s league game against Afghanistan. He left the field after just fielding for 9 balls. He was seen limping as well but came to bat and scored 23 runs in the last league game.

AUS vs SA: South African medical team provide medical update on Temba Bavuma

South African medical team provided an update on Temba Bavuma’s fitness. They said that the captain has shown signs of improvement and will assess him over the next few days. They also said that his session on Monday was part of the rehabilitation strategies of the recovery plan. They stated:

“Temba’s right hamstring strain has shown good objective signs of improvement over the last 72 hours. We will continuously assess his progress through the management plan over the next few days towards giving him the best chance to play on Thursday.”

If Temba Bavuma fails to recover in time for the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2023 then Aiden Markram will lead the team. He earlier did the same in the game against Bangladesh when Bavuma was ill.