Image Credit- Getty
Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa,
participated in an optional training session at Eden Gardens on Monday for more
than thirty minutes, providing the team with a possible boost three days prior
to their World Cup semi-final matchup against Australia.
After completing a few loops around the outfield,
Bavuma engaged in some fitness drills under the close supervision of strength
and conditioning coach Runeshan Moodley and team physiotherapist Sizwe Hadebe.
He continued with some shuttle runs after that, picking up the speed as he went
ahead and backward with each loop. Bavuma did not appear uncomfortable when
sprinting, yet he did occasionally appear uncomfortable and hunched over with
his hands by his sides. The skipper of South Africa was observed sporting a
little strapping on his knee.
Bavuma padded up and shadow batted with a stump later
in the practise, and then he had a long talk with coach Rob Walter. Bavuma
entered a net and batted with a stump after seeing Rassie van der Dussen bat.
He even moved forward to knock a couple of balls down the track.
Before Thursday’s semi-final, Bavuma’s condition will
be closely watched, and the team management feels that as captain, he will have
the best opportunity to participate.
CSA had said on Sunday that Bavuma had “shown an
improvement” overnight, and that he had not been sent for scans, but did
not give an official update on his current condition.
If Bavuma is unable to play the semi-final, Aiden
Markram is likely to captain South Africa – as he did when Bavuma missed the
England and Bangladesh games with illness – while Reeza Hendricks could open
the batting.