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South Africa have called in spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde has cover for Aiden Markram who suffered a hamstring injury during the match against England last week. Markram was the stand-in captain in the absence of Temba Bavuma who had fallen ill in Karachi.
As per a report by ESPNCrinfo, Markram will undergo fitness test and training on March 4 evening. If he passes the fitness test, he will feature in the playing XI against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on March 5.
Markram has been in good form. He scored an unbeaten explosive half-century against Afghanistan on February 21. He did not walk out to bat in the run chase against England due to hamstring injury.
If Markram misses out, South Africa may look to play Corbin Bosch to bolster their pace attack and batting down the order against New Zealand if the conditions suit pacer.
In addition, if South Africa and India reach the final, non-travelling reserve Linde may provide another spin option to skipper Temba Bavuma in spin-friendly Dubai. Also, he is a handy batter down the order as well. He will be added to the squad only if ICC technical committee approves the replacement.
Linde's comeback
The last ODI Linde played was in 2021. He has played just two ODIs and taken three wickets. From two innings, he has scored 27 runs.
However, he made his comeback to the T20I side recently. Against Mohammad Rizwan-led Pakistan at home, he picked up a four-wicket haul and scored 48 in South Africa's win in Durban.
South Africa's ODI squad for Champions Trophy 2025
Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch. Cover - George Linde
