South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman is a major fitness doubt for the upcoming Australia ODI series after suffering an injury during domestic red-ball action.
Baartman managed just five overs for the Dolphins during their innings-and-60-run defeat to the Titans, failing to bat in the second innings. Cricket South Africa will provide a formal medical update regarding his availability for the three-match white-ball series starting on 24 September.
Pace Attack Resources Stretched
Captain Temba Bavuma faces a severe shortage of frontline seamers ahead of the Durban opener. Kagiso Rabada is already sidelined with a hamstring problem, while Lungi Ngidi left the field early during the same domestic fixture after completing 16.3 overs for the Titans.
If Baartman and Ngidi are ruled out, the hosts will rely heavily on Marco Jansen, who bowled 28 overs and took seven wickets over the weekend. Bavuma must also consider whether backup pacers Corbin Bosch or Kwena Maphaka will be forced into immediate starting roles against the tourists.
Much like the tactical reshuffle prompted by an Ishan Kishan injury scare in New Delhi, South Africa must rapidly evaluate their bench strength. With Matthew Renshaw returning as an all-format Australia incumbent for this tour, the Proteas require immediate clarity on their bowling reserves before the opening ODI.
