South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma has pulled out of the domestic first-class final due to a fresh flare-up of his long-standing elbow injury, reigniting concerns ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June.
Bavuma, 34, was set to rejoin the Lions in Johannesburg after traveling from Cape Town earlier this week. However, the franchise received a last-minute notification late on Wednesday confirming his unavailability—just hours before the final against the Titans.
Elbow Injury Clouds Bavuma’s Return
This unexpected setback comes at a critical time. With the WTC Final against Australia scheduled from June 11 to 15, Bavuma’s fitness is now under serious scrutiny.
The exact nature of the injury remains unclear, and it’s yet to be confirmed if it affects the same left elbow that has troubled him in recent years. The Lions have not received further details, adding to the uncertainty around his recovery timeline.
A Familiar Battle
Bavuma’s struggles with elbow injuries date back to 2022, when a fracture sidelined him from the England tour. In 2023, he aggravated the injury again during an ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, which saw him miss the Tests against Bangladesh.
Despite this, Bavuma returned to form, scoring two centuries in four Tests and several fifties against Sri Lanka. He even led the Proteas to the Champions Trophy semi-finals, though often playing with heavy strapping.
Final Hopes Dashed
Lions captain Dominic Hendricks had earlier voiced his anticipation of Bavuma’s return for the final. The Test skipper had traveled with the team for their previous fixture in Bloemfontein, but with that match rained out, all eyes were on his return for the final.
Instead, his absence has left a void in the Lions’ batting lineup and raised serious questions about his readiness for red-ball cricket.
No Match Practice Before WTC
Adding to the challenge, South Africa will not feature in any competitive Test cricket before the WTC final. A series of practice matches are planned from mid-May, including a fixture against international opposition in England. However, many top players are currently engaged in the IPL 2025 or county cricket.
Bavuma, meanwhile, has not played competitive cricket since the Champions Trophy, and this fresh injury setback could further limit his preparation.
Conclusion
With just over eight weeks left until the WTC final, Bavuma’s injury is not just a blow for the Lions, but a major concern for South Africa’s hopes at Lord’s. His leadership and form are vital, and his recovery will be closely watched as the Proteas gear up to face the defending champions.
