South Africa Test skipper Dean Elgar has been a bit concerned about his vice-captain Temba Bavuma’s injury.
According to Elgar, Bavuma has “jarred” his elbow yet again.
Because of this, Bavuma did not participate in the warm-up match for South Africa.
Earlier this year, Bavuma suffered an injury to his elbow when playing against India in the T20I series.
As a result of this, he had to sit out the entire England tour but was declared fit for the T20 World Cup.
Even in the T20 World Cup, Bavuma was seen struggling to make runs at the top of the order.
Dean Elgar comments on Bavuma’s Injury
Says Elgar,
He needs time in the middle, he hasn’t had that of late. We need to give him the best opportunity to get time in the middle and make himself available for that first Test.
While South Africa had a pretty good run in the T20 World Cup, the Netherlands ended their campaign.
The Test series against Australia starts at the Gabba next Saturday.
Adding further, Elgar says,
We need him fit, he’s been one of our solid batters of late and having him in that middle order is vital for us, so hopefully he bounces back from his little interruption.
In his last 11 Tests, Bavuma has averaged 47.93 for South Africa.
On the other hand, Elgar continued his excellent performance in the warm-up match.
Kyle Verreynne also contributed with an unbeaten 76 in the same match.
Says Elgar on Verreynne,
His character and talent is definitely there, it will take innings’ like this just to get his confidence going with regard to the international scene. He plays his best cricket when he is being positive and looking to score, which is a promising sign for us ahead of the (Test) series.
But other batters couldn’t do much in the warm-up match and Elgar is aware of his team’s weakness.
He is hopeful that the bounce in Australia will be more to his team’s liking.
The bounce here is a little more true, which is not the case sometimes in South Africa, especially going into day 3, 4 and 5. In Australia it’s a lot more true and you can trust your eye and your ability. I’d like to think coming here suits us.
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