Temba Bavuma ruled out of the 2nd test against India; Stand-in captain named

Temba Bavuma suffered hamstring injury in the first test against India in Centurion.

The first test between South Africa and India held in Centurion ended in a resounding victory for the hosts. Dean Elgar’s exceptional performance earned him the player of the match award, scoring an impressive 185 runs. South Africa dominated both with bat and ball and won the match by an innings and 32 runs.

Both teams will now face each other in the second test of the series on 3rd January 2024 at Newlands, Cape Town. India, who are on a search of a test series win in South African soil, will have to wait for their next tour.

Temba Bavuma ruled out

Following South Africa’s win in the first test, South Africa have been dealt with a massive jolt as their test captain Temba Bavuma now has been ruled out of the second test against India due to a hamstring strain which he sustained during the Boxing Day test. Dean Elgar, fresh off a match-winning century in Centurion, will step in as the stand-in captain for the upcoming match in Cape Town.

Bavuma’s absence stems from an injury sustained on the first day of the first test, where he injured his hamstring while fielding and subsequently did not come out to bat. The decision to rule him out was based on concerns about aggravating of the injury. South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, revealed, “Temba is not a great physical state. He was ready to bat at every turn. We kept monitoring it. You put something out there, I don’t know if the opposition will pick up on it.” 

He even announced that Zubayr Hamza will be replacing Bavuma in the squad. He said, “Certain things are tactical. We felt the potential risk… there is a potential risk he could aggravate. He will have it assessed in two weeks time. He is definitely out for Cape Town. Zubayr Hamza will join the squad.“

“Since Bavuma’s injury occurred, on the first morning of the match, there had been no communication from team management on whether he would take any further part in the match and when South Africa batted, there was no clarity on if Bavuma would bat,” he added.

South Africa demolish visitors by an innings and 32 runs in Centurion

Talking about the first test, India, after being sent in to bat first, posted a total of 245 runs, with KL Rahul’s brilliant century being the highlight. South African bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, played a crucial role in restricting India. Rabada took five wickets, while Jansen and Nandre Burger chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

South Africa responded strongly in their first innings, scoring a total of 408 runs. Dean Elgar’s magnificent century and valuable contributions from David Bedingham and Marco Jansen helped establish a commanding lead.

Indian team struggled in their second innings, managing only 131 runs. Nandre Burger was the star for South Africa in the second innings, claiming four wickets. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen also contributed with crucial breakthroughs in the hosts’ win.

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