Temba Bavuma confident of winning fitness battle for Twenty20 World Cup

SA captain Temba Bavuma expects to be fit to lead the side at the Twenty20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates as he continues to recover from a thumb injury.

The top-order batsman admits he is not 100% fit, but believes he will be ready for SA’s opening game against Australia on October 23.

“I started batting a bit yesterday, just to feel it out,” Bavuma said on Sunday. “According to the medical team, everything is still on schedule. I am quite happy with where it’s at. Everyone is happy with the progress thus far.”

Bavuma will be the first black African captain for SA at a World Cup.

He admits there is a mix of anxiety and excitement among the players, especially given the team’s past failings at big tournaments, which have earned them a “chokers” tag and a reputation for not being able to pull through in big moments.

“Looking at the position I am in, I acknowledge the responsibility when leaving SA shores,” he said. “And the thinking that when you come back to SA, things could be different. Your life could be different.

“From a team point of view, it’s excitement and the anxiety of experiencing something you haven’t come across. But I think it’s more excitement at the moment.

“I don’t harp on a lot about being a black African but it is quite significant, from all angles. Thinking about it now, it adds to the pressure that is already there.

“But it’s also a privilege that I believe I’ve been blessed to have. If the opportunity is there, and the team plays accordingly, we’d like to do something special for the country.”

Reuters