South Africa have a fresh fitness worry in their pace attack after Ottneil Baartman was injured before the ODI series against Australia. He was hurt playing for the Dolphins in their first red-ball game of the domestic season, against the Titans.
What happened
Baartman bowled just five overs and did not bat in the second innings, as the Dolphins lost by an innings and 60 runs. A fitness update was expected on Sunday, September 13.
His absence would hit a pace department that has already lost Kagiso Rabada to a hamstring problem for the ODI series. Lungi Ngidi, also in the ODI squad, left the field during the Dolphins’ second innings and did not bowl again, adding to the concern.
Positives from domestic cricket
Several other squad members did well in the opening round. Captain Temba Bavuma made 91 and 9 for the Lions, and Ryan Rickelton scored his 19th first-class century. Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham were also among the notable performers.
The series ahead
South Africa face Australia in three ODIs on September 24, 27 and 30, and Baartman’s condition will be watched closely in the meantime.
