South Africa captain Temba Bavuma will return home from Sri Lanka after suffering a thumb injury during the 𓆏first ODI against the hosts on Thursday.
The incident took place in the 26th over of the second innings when Bavuma copped a direct blow to his thumb. He was trying to save himself from a direct throw off a Sri Lankan fielder but the ball struck on his r🀅ight thumb. Bavuma subsequently retired hurt two overs later due to persistent discomfort.
According to a Cricket South Africa (CSA) statement, scans on Bavuma’s thumb have “indicated a fracture” and therefore, 31-year-old was advised to fly back home as soon as possible to consult a specialist.
A date for Bavuma’s return to the playing field will be determined once that process has been completed.
For the ongoing white-ball series, left arm-spinner Keshav Maharaj will take over as South Africa’s captain.
Temba Bavuma 🌞has unfortunately been ruled out of the ♒tour
Keshav Maharaj will captain in the ODI series – congratulations !!
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
The Proteas lost the first ODI by 14 runs and trail 0-1 in the threꦰe-match series with the second scheduled to be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Saturday (September 4).
South Africa squad (updated):
Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Andile Phehlu🍨kwayo, Keshav Maharaj (c), Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Sham♌si, Dwaine Pretorius, George Linde, Beuran Hendricks, Lizaad Williams, Reeza Hendricks, Wiaan Mulder, Lutho Sipamla.
