Proteas batters in the runs in Oz, Bavuma’s elbow playing up

While the Proteas enjoyed a good day of batting in their four-day warm-up clash against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane on Friday, there may be some concern in the camp about the fitness and well-being of Temba Bavuma.

The Proteas scored a rapid 335/7 batting on the first day of the match on Friday, ahead of the start of the first Test of three against Australia on December 17.

Captain Dean Elgar scored 109, while Kyle Verreynne was at the crease at the close of play on 76 not out.
Sarel Erwee scored 25, Rassie van der Dussen 27, Khaya Zondo 18, Theunis de Bruyn 13 and Keshav Maharaj 34.

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Bavuma, while named in the side, didn’t bat. He seems to have perhaps aggravated the elbow injury he has suffered with for a few months now.

“I don’t know the medical background, but I know he had an elbow injury before, that came right,” said Elgar after the day’s play in Brisbane.

“I think he may have jarred it a little, but I’m not concerned yet. Hopefully he’ll bat in our second innings. He’s the one guy who needs time, and we’ll give him the best opportunity so that he is available for the first Test.

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“I’m sure he’s chomping at the bit. We need him to be fit; he’ been one of our solid batters of late, and having him in the middle order is vital for us. Hopefully he bounces back from this little interruption.”

Elgar added he was pleased to see most of the team’s batters, including Verreynne, get time in the middle.

“It’s nice to get out in the middle, get some valuable time in the legs.

“Kyle’s been in good form back home … he scored a double hundred and an 80 odd which is nice for him.
“He’s coming into a really important series for him as well. He didn’t really kick on in the previous series (against England), but the character and talent is there, and it’s important he gains confidence on the international scene.

“He plays best when he is looking to score so this is a promising knock for him and us.”