Revealed: Why Aiden Markram is captaining South Africa against England instead of Temba Bavuma

Aiden Markram has led South Africa 7 times in ODI format.

After suffering major upsets, England and South Africa will each be taking on each other at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Just before, there was bad news from South African camp as their skipper, Temba Bavuma, was ruled out of the game. South African skipper Temba Bavuma is ill, and he will miss the game against England in Mumbai. Aiden Markram will be in charge of South African playing XI.

Hendricks comes in for Bavuma

More details are pending regarding Temba Bavuma. Due to Bavuma’s absence, opener Reeza Hendricks will have an opportunity to open the batting along with Quinton De Kock. The rest of the squad remains the same for South Africa, which took on Netherlands in Dharamshala. Aiden Markram had a successful World Cup campaign so far in the middle-order for South Africa, and he will be expected to lead his team from the front against England.

Aiden Markram at the toss informed, “Temba Bavuma is ill and he is out, so Reeza Hendricks comes in. It will be a nice opportunity for him.” Temba Bavuma had started well in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and played an anchor role against Sri Lanka in Delhi. Aiden Markram has led South African side in seven ODIs so far. South Africa won three and lost four games under Aiden Markram as captain. This will be his first-ever game as captain in the World Cup.

Ben Stokes back in England playing XI

England skipper Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field first at Wankhede Stadium. Explaining his decision, Buttler said, “We are going to bowl first. Generally a good ground for chasing, that's the reason behind it.” In a good piece of news for England fans, all-rounder Ben Stokes will be making his comeback in England's playing XI. Stokes missed the first three games of the World Cup due to a niggle.

Along with Stokes, England have made two more changes to their playing XI. England dropped Chris Woakes and Sam Curran for South Africa game. David Willey and Gus Atkinson will be replacing Sam Curran and Chris Woakes. England have dropped Liam Livingstone to accommodate Ben Stokes and kept Harry Brook’s place intact. Brook played a fighting knock against Afghanistan in Delhi.