Proteas captain Temba Bavuma batted in the nets on Monday without any noticeable discomfort.
This is according to Rapport sports editor Tinus van Staden who attended the Proteas training session in Kolkata on Monday.
Bavuma strained his right hamstring while fielding in South Africa’s last World Cup league-stage match against Afghanistan on Friday. The 33-year-old then struggled to bat, prompting speculation that he could miss Thursday’s semi-final against Australia at Eden Gardens.
On Sunday, CSA said Bavuma did not go for a scan, which suggested the injury may not be as bad as it initially appeared.
On Monday, Bavuma did running exercises without much noticeable discomfort.
“He jogged around the pitch at practice before running between cones for about 15 minutes under the watchful eye of physiotherapist Sizwe Hadebe and conditioning coach Runeshan Moodley,” wrote Van Staden. “It is unclear if this was a fitness test. He jogged between the cones at varying speeds. He also ran sideways and backwards.
“He did not endure much visible discomfort, but after one or two runs he bent down and hit his right thigh with his fist. A pair of tights covered his right thigh, but he wasn’t wearing any other visible protection.”
Bavuma then went into the nets and batted for almost an hour.
“Based on Monday’s practice, the chances are good that he will play against the Aussies,” Van Staden concluded.
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