South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the second Test against India after sustaining a strain in his left hamstring on Day 1 of the series opener at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. In Bavuma's absence, Dean Elgar led the Proteas. After a match-winning 185-run knock, Elgar will lead South Africa in his farewell Test which will be played from January 2, 2024, at Newlands, Cape Town.
"Temba is not in 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," said South Africa's coach Shukri Conrad.
Zubayr Hamza has been named as Bavuma's replacement in the 15-member squad. Bavuma's injury will be assessed in two weeks. Hamza has appeared in six tests so far and scored 212 runs at an average of 17.67 including a half-century. His last Test appearance was in February 2022 against New Zealand where he scored 31 runs from two innings.
Conrad also revealed that there was no communication from the team management about whether he would be able to take further part in the game or not. Bavuma got injured on Day 1 trying to stop Virat Kohli's shot.
On Day 3, Bavuma did not come out to bat even after the ninth wicket fell and Marco Jansen missed out on a chance to score his maiden Test century.
"We were constantly giving ourselves maximum time so we could give out the right information," Conrad said. "If we lost wickets early, he would have walked on. With 150 runs ahead, I felt it wasn't neccessary to risk Temba.”
After getting ruled out of the second Test, Bavuma’s participation the SA20 league is in doubt as well.
"Bavuma was diagnosed with a left hamstring strain, not a tear, and will have the injury assessed in two weeks' time to determine his availability for his next assignment, with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at the SA20. He will not play in South Africa's two-Test series against New Zealand early next year because of his SA20 commitments," he said.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
David Warner bids adieu to MCG in whites amid cheers in AUS vs PAK 2nd Test; watch video
