South Africa men's national cricket team was dealt with a double blow hours before its crucial 4th ODI against Australia on September 15 (Friday). Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that captain Temba Bavuma and fiery pacer Anrich Nortje will miss the match against the Baggy Greens on Friday owing to their respective injuries. While skipper Bavuma was only ruled out for the 4th ODI, Nortje was sidelined for the remainder of the series.
In a tweet on X (formerly known as Twitter), the CSA revealed that Bavuma sustained an 'adductor strain' while Nortje picked up a 'lower back injury'.
In Bavuma's absence, stylish batter Aiden Markram will lead the Proteas in the 4th ODI against Australia.
"Fast bowler Anrich Nortje (lower back injury) is ruled out of the remaining 2 matches of the #Betway ODI series against Australia. ODI captain Temba Bavuma (adductor strain) is unavailable for the 4th ODI. Aiden Markram will lead the side," CSA said in a tweet.
Bavuma's injury comes as a bigger blow to South Africa as the right-handed opening batter had been in sublime form in 50-over international cricket this year. The 33-year-old is the leading run-getter for the Proteas in 2022 and also leads the chart for his team in the ongoing series against the Baggy Greens. In the previous three ODIs, Bavuma aggregated 217 runs at an average of 108.50 and a strike rate of 88.93. The diminutive batter also scored one century and a half-century in three outings against Australia in the ongoing series.
When it comes to Nortje, the right-arm fast bowler just featured in the second ODI against Australia and looked completely out of sorts. Nortje bowled just five overs and conceded 58 runs in the process.
Meanwhile, the 4th ODI on Friday will be a do-or-die encounter for South Africa as Australia leads the five-match series 2-1. After losing the opening two matches of the series, South Africa made a strong comeback in the 3rd ODI and registered a comprehensive 111-run victory at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.Â
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