Proteas coach eases Temba Bavuma fitness concerns ahead of Australia

Proteas coach Conrad has dismissed concerns over Temba Bavuma’s fitness, saying the captain is currently free of injury and expected to be available for South Africa’s ODI and Test assignments against Australia.

Bavuma is among the senior players omitted from the squad for the tour of Namibia later this month. Conrad said the decision was influenced by the demanding summer schedule rather than a physical problem involving the batter.

The coach said Bavuma will use warm-up matches with the Lions to prepare for the longer formats as the new season approaches. Those games are expected to give him playing time before the international programme begins.

Bavuma’s immediate target is the ODI series against Australia, but Conrad placed greater emphasis on the Test matches. He said all the Tests are a priority and that South Africa must ensure Bavuma and the rest of the squad are properly prepared for the summer.

Conrad added that he is satisfied with Bavuma’s current position and expects him to take part in the opening ODI against Australia. The coach’s comments remove the fitness uncertainty created by the senior player’s absence from the Namibia group.

The coach also discussed fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, who has been selected for the South Africa A team facing Bangladesh A from next week. Coetzee is seeking a return to the Proteas’ Test and ODI squads after a succession of injuries.

Conrad said Coetzee’s determination to regain national selection had been clear. The bowler reportedly turned down an opportunity to play in the United Kingdom so he could represent South Africa A and work towards impressing the selectors. Conrad said Coetzee must continue building confidence in his body, while expressing hope that his injury problems are behind him.