Thiruvananthapuram: South Africa’s preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup have taken a hit with news that skipper Temba Bavuma will miss the Proteas’ warm up fixtures for the tournament against Afghanistan and New Zealand.
Bavuma is flying home due to family reasons and will miss South Africa’s two vital warm-up matches, with T20I skipper Aiden Markram to fill in as captain in his absence.
South Africa take on Afghanistan in their first warm-up fixture in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, before completing their preparations for the tournament against the Kiwis at the same Greenfield Stadium venue on October 2.
Their opening match at the World Cup is against Sri Lanka at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi and Bavuma is likely to return in time for this clash.
Bavuma has been in good form for the Proteas of late, with the experienced opener scoring an unbeaten century against Australia in Bloemfontein earlier this month.
South Africa have already lost key pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala for the tournament due to injury.
