.jpg?type=mq)
Temba Bavuma During 1st ODI - (Source: AFP)
On Friday, August 22, South Africa locked horns against Australia at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. It is only the second fifty-over game at this venue, and the Proteas are leading the three-match series 1-0.
For the ongoing ODI, the Proteas made a couple of changes, including their captain, Temba Bavuma, sitting out on the bench. Notably, Aiden Markam took charge of the team and walked out to bat.
Temba Bavuma Misses The 2nd ODI
During the toss, Markram cleared the air around Temba Bavuma's absence and also shrugged off any injury concerns. The stand-in skipper added that Temba has been rested, considering his workload management in mind.
The decision to rest Bavuma for the 2nd ODI was always a part of the plan, given he recently recovered from a hamstring injury, which he sustained during the WTC final against Australia at Lord's.
"ODI captain Temba Bavuma has been rested for the second match against Australia. This decision is part of his workload management, as he recovered from a hamstring strain that he sustained during the WTC Final in June. Although he experienced no discomfort during the first ODI on Tuesday, the Proteas medical team recommended that he be rested for the second match. He will be available to lead the side in the third ODI on Sunday, with Aiden Markram standing in as captain today," read the official statement.
Bavuma In Great Touch With The Bat
Bavuma featured in the first ODI and looked in great touch as the 35-year-old played a 65-run knock, which helped the Rainbow Nation put 296 runs on the board.
Eventually, the Proteas restricted the hosts to just 198 runs and sealed a 98-run win to lead the series. Further, if the Rainbow Nation win the second ODI and clinches the series, then chances are that Bavuma might be rested for the dead-rubber game as well.
