SA’s Bavuma fractures finger

JOHANNESBURG: Temba Bavuma will take no part in South Africa’s ongoing Test series against India after fracturing his right finger during a domestic one-day cup match on January 17.

Bavuma will need three to four weeks of recovery time but will remain part of the Test squad, with the selectors opting not to name a replacement batsman. South Africa already have an extra batsman in Theunis de Bruyn, who, like Bavuma, has not played in either of the two already completed Tests.

Neither Bavuma nor de Bruyn would have considered themselves likely to make the starting XI, given South Africa’s new preference for a four-pronged pace pack and six specialist batsmen.