Temba Bavuma’s participation in South Africa’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, starting on October 21, is uncertain due to an injury he sustained during the second ODI against Ireland.
Bavuma retired hurt on 35 runs and was unable to field due to the injury, which affects the same elbow he injured in 2022 during a T20 tour of India. He will seek medical advice upon returning to South Africa to determine the extent of the injury and whether he can participate in the Test series.
In Bavuma’s absence, Rassie van der Dussen is set to lead the team, as Aiden Markram, the T20I captain, is being rested.
This is particularly concerning for South Africa, as Bavuma has had a series of injuries, including a hamstring issue during the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and a left hamstring injury last year during the Boxing Day Test against India.
South Africa is currently in a crucial phase of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, with six remaining Tests—two each against Bangladesh (away), Sri Lanka, and Pakistan (at home). The team needs to win at least five of these matches to have a realistic shot at qualifying for the WTC final next year in June.
Additionally, Wiaan Mulder has left the ongoing white-ball series against Ireland for personal reasons. South Africa leads the ODI series 2-0 and will play the final ODI on Monday. The preceding T20I series against Ireland ended in a 1-1 draw.
