Cricket World Cup: Bavuma declares himself fit to lead the Proteas

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says he feels “alright” ahead of the Cricket World Cup semi-final clash with Australia on Thursday in Kolkata, India.

The 33-year-old sustaining a hamstring injury in South Africa’s last match against Afghanistan last Friday.

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“Physically, I feel alright. Obviously not 100%,” Bavuma said in Kolkata as per ESPN.

“So obviously this day [today] becomes important in terms of the decision about tomorrow [match day]. I’m quite confident but it’s not a unilateral decision that will be made.”

Bavuma could play in the semis

Bavuma returned to training on Monday but the team’s medical staff will decide if he is fit and ready to play on Thursday.

Proteas coach Rob Walter said the captain was being monitored ahead of the semi-final.

“We’re just taking it daily but we’ve seen a positive progression each day which is awesome,” Walter said yesterday.

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“It’s a process, so yesterday (Monday) was just a step in the process of declaring him fit. He didn’t do any high-speed running, any fielding or running between wickets, so we still have to check him out in the more high-speed zones… to test whether he is ready.”