"I'm Not 100% Fit" - Temba Bavuma Playing WC 2023 Semi-Final Despite Not Being Fit

Displaying exemplary commitment and determination, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has decided to play the semifinal against Australia despite carrying an injury. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM (IST) on Thursday (November 16) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Temba Bavuma was doubtful for the match after picking up a hamstring injury during South Africa’s last league game against Afghanistan. The opening batsman had to leave the field after only nine balls of the first innings and returned four overs later. However, he looked uncomfortable throughout and fielded mostly at mid-off. After the game, Cricket South Africa confirmed that the captain had sustained a right hamstring strain.

Speaking at the toss, the Proteas skipper confirmed that he is still not fully fit but has decided to play the huge match.

“We will bat first. “I’m not 100 percent fit, but it’s just going to have to be good enough,” he said before adding:

“We have come against a team like Australia in the semi-final. We did get a message from them (South Africa’s rugby winning team) this morning, means a lot to me and the team, there’s a game to focus on,” he added.

Temba Bavuma also confirmed that the Proteas have made one change for the semifinal. They have dropped fast-bowler Lungi Ngidi to make room for left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.

Temba Bavuma eyes good show:

Temba Bavuma will be looking to come up with a good display with the bat. While he has led the team to the semifinal, he has not really managed to impress with the bat so far. The right-handed batsman averages only 20 with the bat in the ongoing competition. In 7 matches so far, he has scored a modest 145 runs with a top score of 35.

South Africa (Playing XI):

Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi

Australia (Playing XI):

Travis Head, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood