Proteas bolstered by Bavuma return for T20 series

THE Proteas received a significant boost yesterday with captain Temba Bavuma expected to lead the Proteas in their five-match T20 series against world champions the West Indies, starting tomorrow in Grenada.

Bavuma missed the 2-0 Test series victory over the West Indies that was played in a bio-secure environment in St Lucia with a middle finger dislocation.

In a Cricket South Africa press briefing released yesterday, it was stated that Bavuma "is responding well" to treatment and is expected to take his place at the helm in the shortest format.

It will be the first time that Bavuma will lead the Proteas since being appointed full-time captain of both the T20 and one-day international national teams. He missed the recent T20 international series against Pakistan, which the Proteas lost 3-1, also due to injury. Bavuma strained his hamstring while batting during the preceding ODI series.

Test all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been retained as part of the T20 squad after his Highveld Lions teammate Dwaine Pretorius tested positive for Covid-19 in SA prior to departure for the Caribbean.

Pretorius is not symptomatic and is doing well, and following the stipulated Covid-19 protocols, according to CSA.

The CSA medical team is also keeping in close communication with Pretorius to ensure his wellbeing.

Due to these events, left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks who did not play in the Test series, has also been absorbed into the T20 squad.

Proteas assistant coach, Enoch Nkwe, is also back with the national team and will resume his role following family responsibility leave, while Mandla Mashimbyi has returned to SA along with the rest of the Test squad.

The five-match T20 series forms a major part of the Proteas' preparation for the T20 World Cup set to be held later this year.