As he traveled to the ICC Champions Trophy on Monday, George Linde was absent from Western Province training, raising questions over Aiden Markram’s fitness ahead of South Africa’s matchup with New Zealand in the semi-finals on Wednesday, March 5.
On Saturday, March 1, when playing England, Aiden Markram took Temba Bavuma’s place as team captain. A strained hamstring caused Markram to leave the field during the game. However, at first, he downplayed the severity of the injuries. But now it seems that his situation is worse.
“I believe it’s okay. Beyond all else, it was primarily a precaution. Everything feels fine. “Hopefully, I can get some good rest over the next few days, sort it out, and be good to go from there,” Markram said following the England match, according to Independent Online, a South African publication.
After the England game, the Proteas went to Dubai and returned to Pakistan eighteen hours later after securing their semifinal berth. After arriving in Lahore, the team announced that Markram would need to have his availability determined by a fitness analysis on Tuesday.
However, Aiden Markram injury might be more serious than first thought given Linde’s unexpected call-up.
Linde, 33, has been playing well in all forms but hasn’t played an ODI for South Africa since September 2021. His outstanding play won him a return to the national T20I team last year, and he was a key player in Cape Town’s victory in the MI SA20 title. He was viewed by many as unfit to be included in the Champions Trophy squad’s basic selection.
The Proteas would suffer a severe blow if Markram were lost. Despite having only batted once in the competition, the 30-year-old was in outstanding form as he crushed an undefeated 52 off 36 balls against Afghanistan in the opening match.
In the meantime, Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi are being evaluated for fitness, and South Africa hopes that they both recover quickly from their illnesses. Tuesday is their anticipated training day to determine whether they play or not.
ICC and PCB officials, as well as former Proteas star Shaun Pollock, are part of the Event Technical Committee, which must approve any squad replacements in accordance with tournament regulations.
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