AUS vs SA | CSA reveals reason behind resting Bavuma in second ODI against Australia

‌South Africa decided to rest skipper Temba Bavuma in the second ODI despite a convincing win in the first ODI. Aiden Markram was named the stand-in skipper in place of him in the game, while Tony de Zorzi has replaced him in the lineup to bat at number three.

Bavuma was back on the field in the first ODI after a short break and started the series well with a great half-century, scoring 65 off 74 deliveries and being. While a performance like this would lead to the team backing him in the second ODI, the Proteas made two changes in their lineup, which included leaving out Bavuma from the playing XI. This decision came as a shock to the fans and experts who are still curious about what led the management to take this decision. The reasons were finally revealed by Cricket South Africa (CSA)  through a statement. 

“This decision is part of his workload management, as he recovered from a hamstring strain which he sustained during the WTC final in June. Although he experienced no discomfort during the first ODI on Tuesday, the Proteas medical team recommended he be rested for the second match,” the statement read.

Apart from Bavuma, the other change made in the South African lineup was bringing in the left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy in for Prenalan Subrayen, who has been rested for the last two games of the series after being reported for a suspect action. While South Africa coach Shukri Conrad has said that the 31-year-old spinner was still available, they have decided to give him a break to prepare for his test, which will be taking place in Brisbane.