Proteas captain Temba Bavuma says his team will find a way to cope with a growing list of hamstring injuries. The Test series against Australia starts in Durban next week.
Top-order batter Tony de Zorzi became the latest player to get hurt. He strained his left hamstring while fielding during the third ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday evening.
“Yeah, it’s a blow, obviously, within our plans. Tony fulfils a certain role. But there’s an opportunity for someone else to come in and do the business when they need it,” Bavuma said.
The 29-year-old left the field during Australia’s innings. All-rounder Duan Jansen came on to replace him in the field. De Zorzi was not able to bat when the Proteas chased their target.
South Africa lost the rain-affected match by 45 runs at the North West Oval, according to IOL Sport.
De Zorzi has had hamstring trouble before. He missed the T20 World Cup earlier this year because of a right hamstring tear that was slow to heal.
The Proteas are already without four fast bowlers. Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka have all strained hamstrings over the past month.
Bavuma could not say if De Zorzi will miss the Test series. He said the team doctors would carry out their checks first.
“To be honest, there’s no point in getting more frustrated at the situation. That’s not going to help any bit,” he said.
The captain said the team had spoken with the medical staff. He said they were doing the best they could with what they had.
“For us as a team, when we get together on Friday, the Test team, we’ll just have to make sure we lock in. And like I said, in true South African fashion, try and find a way,” Bavuma said.
Bavuma was one of five players rested for the final match, which had no effect on the series result. South Africa had already won the ODI series. It ended 2-1 in their favour.
“Yeah, very happy. Look, the first objective obviously was to win the series. We’ve managed to do that,” he said.
Bavuma said the series also gave players a chance to get back into form after time away from cricket. He said batters spent time at the crease and bowlers got overs in.
“So I think there’s confidence and momentum that we can take from this ODI series,” he said.
The Proteas squad will meet in Durban on Friday. The first Test against Australia starts on 9 October at Kingsmead.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.