Temba Bavuma resumes training in a massive boost ahead of SA vs AUS CWC 2023 semi-final

Temba Bavuma is expected to be fit for the semi-final game against Australia.

In a massive boost for South Africa before their CWC 2023 semi-final clash against five-time World Champions Australia, Temba Bavuma is back and started practicing in the nets at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa will be playing their semi-final game against Australia on 16th November in Kolkata. South Africa qualified for the semi-final round of the tournament after finishing second in the points table with 14 points and 7 wins out of their 9 league games. 

South Africa had an optional practice session on Monday and captain Temba Bavuma took part for a good 30 minutes. With three more days to go before the big game, Bavuma is expected to attain full fitness. Temba Bavuma suffered a hamstring injury in South Africa’s last league encounter against Afghanistan at the same venue in Kolkata. Bavuma had trouble while fielding and he took multiple breaks in between the Afghanistan innings. 

Temba Bavuma's fitness drill

South African skipper Temba Bavuma ran a couple of laps around the outfield and did some fitness drills as well. South Africa team physio Sizwe Hadebe was having a close look at Temba Bavuma’s progression and his fitness drills. Bavuma also had a shuttle run increasing his pace after every lap and occasionally looked uncomfortable but he completed his fitness drills. South African coach Rob Walter was also present when Bavuma was practicing. 

Temba Bavuma also did a shadow batting with a stump and then he had a long chat with South African head coach Rob Walter. Bavuma then later on went to the nets and had an easy batting drill with stumps and advanced down the track on a few occasions to hit the ball. Bavuma’s fitness will be monitored some more time until the South African camp makes a final decision, but with three more days remaining, he is expected to be fit for the game. 

Cricket South Africa have also informed the press that Temba Bavuma has shown an improvement overnight and he was not taken for the scans. Temba Bavuma missed two league games due to an injury and Aiden Markram led the side in his absence. Reeza Hendricks was included as Bavuma’s replacement and came in to bat as an opener along with Quinton De Kock. South Africa will be eyeing their first-ever World Cup final qualification.