South Africa's World Cup Hopes Hang in the Balance as Temba Bavuma Races Against Time to Recover from Hamstring Injury

In anticipation of their semi-final matchup against Australia at Eden Gardens on Thursday, South Africa is anxious about the health of its captain, Temba Bavuma.

Bavuma pulled his hamstring during the Proteas' five-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on Friday, the team's last league match. In the match, he had made 23 off 28 balls when off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed him from the game.

After that, Bavuma "shown an improvement overnight," according a release from Cricket South Africa (CSA), but he will still be under observation by the organization's medical staff.

Positive news arrived at the camp on Monday when Bavuma showed up for his Proteas teammates' optional training session at the Eden.

Before engaging in some fitness routines under the close supervision of the team physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach, he completed a few circuits around the outfield.

After that, he tried to pick up speed with each shuttle run. Although Bavuma appeared a little restless at times, he wasn't uncomfortable enough to run with a strapping on his right leg.

Later in the practice, Bavuma engaged in a protracted discussion with head coach Rob Walter after warming up, shadow-batting, and taking throwdowns from a support staff member using a stump.

After that, he batted at nets for about an hour in two sessions and even struck a couple balls with his feet. It was discovered later, during the training session, that Bavuma visited a city hospital for more scans.

The scan results may be available as early as Tuesday, although Bavuma's speedy recovery is anticipated by the Proteas medical staff.

The CSA medical team released a statement stating, "Over the last 72 hours, Temba's right hamstring strain has shown good objective signs of improvement."

"Over the next few days, we will continue to evaluate his progress through the management plan in order to provide him with the best opportunity to play on Thursday."

Bavuma's work on Monday was, according to the medical staff, "part of the rehabilitation strategies of the recovery plan," not a fitness test.

Bavuma is currently not certain for the semifinal match. Aiden Markram is expected to captain South Africa on Thursday in his absence, much as he did against Bangladesh and England in Bavuma's absence due to sickness.

After that, Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock—who wasn't present for Monday's practise—may begin the batting. Kagiso Rabada, the pace leader, was also not present.

However, in terms of form, Bavuma has struggled mightily at the bat in this World Cup, managing just 145 runs from seven innings, the highest of which was 35 (against Australia in Lucknow). Without a doubt, he would have struggled to stay in the starting eleven if he hadn't been captain.

Late in the evening, the Australians also participated in a round of optional sessions at the Eden. Among the highlights of Australia's practice on Monday was a lengthy conversation between Marnus Labuschagne and the in-form Glenn Maxwell, who assisted him in perfecting the reverse sweep and scoop.

Maxwell, who has been in outstanding form this World Cup and struck an incredible, undefeated 201 against Afghanistan over all odds, was also observed assisting Labuschagne with his head placement for those spectacular shots.

Australia has been steadily rising to the top of the field, so Pat Cummins and company shouldn't have too many worries if Maxwell strikes again at the Eden.

The South Africans simply outperformed the Australians in every aspect throughout the league phase, winning that match by 134 runs. However, there is a significant difference between that Australia and the one that is currently winning seven games in a row.

Moreover, Australia is always lethal in knockout matches.

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