Rob Walter: Temba hasn’t come up in conversation about being dropped because of form

Temba Bavuma cricketTemba Bavuma.

Captain Temba Bavuma will likely be named in the Proteas’ XI for Thursday’s Cricket World Cup semi-final against Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India.

Bavuma injured a hamstring during last week’s win over Afghanistan, but practised with the Proteas this week.

He has scored 145 runs in seven innings – for an average of 20.71 – at this tournament.

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“Temba hasn’t come up in the conversation of being dropped because of form, because he has been one our best batsmen this year,” said Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter.

“He hasn’t scored the runs he would have wanted to in the World Cup, but every training he looks like he is close and every innings he looks like he is close. A good score is just around the corner from him.

“As far as being undroppable, nobody is bigger than the team. The same goes for everyone.”

If unfit for the fixture against Australia, Bavuma will likely be replaced in the XI by fellow batsman Reeza Hendricks.

Hendricks has played two matches this tournament. He hit 85 against England and 12 against Bangladesh.

“We will hopefully make a call earlier than the morning of the game. In an ideal world I want to give Temba as much time to play for his country,” added Walter.

“We’re taking it day by day and will make a decision as soon as we can.”

South Africa or Australia will play India or New Zealand in the 2023 Cricket World Cup final.

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