Injury setback hits South Africa ahead of WTC final

South Africa have suffered a major setback just two months before the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, as Test captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the domestic first-class final due to a recurring elbow injury.

The 34-year-old was expected to join the Lions in Johannesburg this week, but his return was halted at the last minute. Reports confirmed that the team was informed late on Wednesday about Bavuma's unavailability, leaving both management and teammates surprised.

Bavuma’s injury comes at a worrying time for South Africa, with the WTC final against Australia scheduled from June 11 to 15. The severity of the injury has not yet been confirmed, nor whether it is the same elbow that has troubled him in the past.

The right-handed batter has a history of elbow issues. In 2022, a fracture to his left elbow kept him out of the England tour, followed by another injury during an ODI against Ireland last year. Despite these setbacks, Bavuma made a strong comeback with multiple Test centuries and led South Africa to the Champions Trophy semi-final.

His absence from the final is not only a blow to the Lions but raises serious questions about his availability for the WTC final. With South Africa not scheduled to play any competitive cricket before the marquee clash — as many players are tied up with IPL and county commitments — Bavuma's recovery will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.