South Africa captain Bavuma to miss World Cup warm-up games

Aiden Markram will lead the side in his absence as South Africa face Afghanistan on Friday and New Zealand on Monday, with Reeza Hendricks to open the batting in Bavuma’s place.

Temba Bavuma in action during South Africa’s third ODI against Australia in Potchefstroom. | Photo Credit: Reuters

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma will miss the ODI World Cup warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand after returning home for family reasons, officials confirmed on Thursday.

No further details were provided, but Bavuma is expected to rejoin the squad in time to play South Africa’s opening World Cup fixture against Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.

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Aiden Markram will lead the side in his absence as South Africa faces Afghanistan on Friday and New Zealand on Monday, with Reeza Hendricks to open the batting in Bavuma’s place.

Bavuma has been a key part of the South African top order in recent times, having this year scored centuries against England, the West Indies, and most recently an unbeaten 114 versus Australia earlier this month.