The Proteas have explained the decision not to let captain Temba Bavuma bat against India in Centurion on Thursday.

Bavuma injured his left hamstring while fielding during the first session on day one and left the field, with Dean Elgar taking over the captaincy.

Bavuma then did not bat as the Proteas were bowled out for 408 in their first innings. As a result, Marco Jansen, in search of a maiden Test century, was left stranded on 84*.

“Following continuous medical assessments, it was determined that there was too much of a risk of aggravating his left hamstring injury had he gone out to bat at this stage of the game,” read the Proteas update.

“The medical team are managing him to give him the best chance to bat should he be required in the fourth innings.”

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