Spinner Keshav Maharaj will captain the Proteas for the remainder of this month’s ODI series against Sri Lanka.
Regular captain Temba Bavuma has been sidelined after sustaining an injury during Thurday’s series opener, which South Africa lost by 14 runs.
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“Bavuma, has been ruled out of the remainder of the white-ball series in Sri Lanka after a freak accident resulted in a fractured right thumb,” read a statement from Cricket South Africa.
“Bavuma took a direct blow to the thumb. He was attempting to avoid a fielder’s throw-in and was unfortunately struck on the right thumb. He subsequently retired hurt two overs later due to persistent discomfort.
“Scans have indicated a fracture and Bavuma will return to South Africa as soon as possible to consult a specialist. The timelines for return to play will be defined subsequent to that.”
Temporary T20I appointment required, too
Maharaj will captain the Proteas for the second and third ODI. He won’t necessarily be named captain for the subsequent T20I series, though.
“Maharaj will take over his role as captain in the ODI series and the national selection panel will meet to determine the T20I captain,” added CSA.
One of Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock or David Miller will likely be named T20I captain in Bavuma’s absence.