On a crucial night during the South Africa vs. Australia semi-final match, Temba Bavuma’s captaincy decisions came under intense scrutiny. One particular choice raised eyebrows—why didn’t he utilize Kagiso Rabada when Australia had only three wickets in hand and the match was on the line?
Unusual Bowling Choices
Despite the high stakes, Bavuma opted to give the ball to Gerald Coetzee, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen, sidelining Rabada. Even after key dismissals, Rabada remained on the bench, leaving fans and experts puzzled.
Rabada’s Limited Participation
Kagiso Rabada, who had a notable first spell of five overs, returned for a second but bowled only one additional over. Surprisingly, even with crucial wickets falling, Bavuma continued to favor other bowlers over Rabada.
South Africa Coach’s Explanation
Rob Walters, the coach of the South African team, shed light on the mystery. He revealed that Rabada was visibly struggling, limping around the field. Walters explained that in Rabada’s comeback spell, he couldn’t deliver at 100%, prompting Bavuma to rely on other bowlers.
The Missed Opportunity:
Despite the context of a World Cup semi-final and the critical juncture of the match, Bavuma’s decision to keep Rabada on the bench remains a talking point. The coach’s revelation about Rabada’s physical condition adds a layer of understanding to this strategic choice.
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