Temba Bavuma to miss 1st ODI against Afghanistan: Here's why
South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma will not be participating in the first One-Day International (ODI) against Afghanistan on September 18 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 34-year-old skipper is currently battling an illness that has sidelined him for this crucial series opener. In his absence, Aiden Markram, the T20I captain, will take over leadership duties for the initial ODI. Here are further details.
Markram's leadership experience
Markram is no stranger to leading the Proteas, having previously guided them to the ICC T20 World Cup final earlier this year. However, they were defeated by Rohit Sharma-led India. He replaces Bavuma, whose form in ODI cricket has been making headlines, especially with the Champions Trophy on the horizon. Despite performing well in Test matches against the West Indies, he has not managed an ODI half-century of late.
Squad updates and new additions to South Africa's team
South Africa's ODI squad has seen some changes, with fast bowler Lungi Ngidi returning. He has recovered from a right calf injury. Meanwhile, Andile Simelane has received his maiden call-up to the national team. Spinner Nqaba Peter and all-rounder Jason Smith will likely make their ODI debuts too, following their previous appearances in T20Is. These changes are part of South Africa's ongoing strategy to prepare for future competitions.
South Africa's upcoming series and player updates
Following the three-ODI series against Afghanistan, South Africa will play T20Is against Ireland. The likes of Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen feature feature in either ODI or T20I squads. "We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months," South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter earlier said in a statement.
SA's squad for Afghanistan ODIs
Temba Bavuma (ruled out of 1st ODI), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Nqabayomzi Peter, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, and Lizaad Williams.
