Bavuma injured, doubtful for WTC final vs Australia

New Delhi

South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has sustained an elbow injury just two months before the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, raising concerns over his availability for the crucial match.

Bavuma was due to play for the Lions against the Titans in the Cricket South Africa Four-Day Series final starting Thursday at the Wanderers. However, he did not arrive in Johannesburg, with the Lions learning only on Wednesday night that the skipper would miss the game due to the elbow niggle, reported ESPNcricinfo.

The 34-year-old hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the Champions Trophy and was part of the Lions’ squad last week against the Knights in Bloemfontein, though that game was abandoned due to weather.

Bavuma’s elbow problems are not new. He fractured his left elbow in 2022, which ruled him out of South Africa’s England tour. He aggravated the same elbow during a one-day international against Ireland last year, causing him to miss the Test series against Bangladesh.

South Africa, who have qualified for their first-ever WTC final, now face a nervous wait. The final is set to begin on June 11, giving the team just over eight weeks to assess and manage Bavuma’s recovery. With no matches scheduled before the final, many South African players are currently active in the IPL or on the county cricket circuit.

South Africa’s WTC campaign featured 12 Tests, eight wins, and a point percentage of 69.44. After drawing with India and losing to New Zealand, they bounced back strongly with wins against the West Indies and Bangladesh, finishing the cycle in dominant form at home.