Ottneil Baartman is set to miss the third ODI against Pakistan due to a right knee injury, with Corbin Bosch taking his place. This injury compounds South Africa’s bowling woes, following the injury of Keshav Maharaj and several others. South Africa aims to finish the ODI series on a positive note amid these setbacks.
South Africa’s cricket team faces another setback as bowler Ottneil Baartman has been ruled out of the third One Day International (ODI) against Pakistan due to a right knee injury. This injury follows that of fellow bowler Keshav Maharaj and adds to an already lengthy list of sidelined seamers this summer, which includes Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, and Anrich Nortje. To fill Baartman’s spot, Corbin Bosch, who recently received his first Test squad call-up, will be joining the ODI lineup and stands a chance to make his Test debut against Pakistan on Boxing Day.
Baartman initially reported discomfort during his warm-up while preparing for the second ODI but had previously played in the series opener, delivering seven overs with impressive figures of 2 for 37. His next commitment will be with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20 tournament. Despite this injury, South Africa’s plans for the Test series remain intact, although they await updates on Wiaan Mulder’s fitness following a fracture to his right middle finger incurred during the first Test against Sri Lanka last month. Mulder has resumed hitting balls and is expected to undergo scans for assessment. Test coach Shukri Conrad has indicated that a cautious approach will be adopted regarding Mulder’s inclusion for the first Test at SuperSport Park.
The South African team has been challenged, as Pakistan has already secured the ODI series victory. Nonetheless, the home team seeks to restore some pride during the final ODI match, which coincides with Pink Day at the Wanderers this Sunday. This match will be significant as it represents their last opportunity to put forward a strong squad before the impending Champions Trophy next year.
The South African national cricket team has been grappling with multiple injuries among its bowlers during the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan. Baartman’s injury is particularly notable as it adds to the growing list of unavailable seamers, raising concerns about the team’s depth and strategy. As they prepare for a crucial match on Pink Day, there are implications for both the ODI series and the upcoming Test matches, with vital selections around injuries affecting team composition and performance.
The ruling out of Ottneil Baartman underscores the ongoing injury challenges faced by the South African bowling attack. His replacement with Corbin Bosch highlights a shift in team strategy as South Africa strives to remain competitive against Pakistan. As they seek to regain momentum in their final ODI before the Champions Trophy, addressing player fitness will be essential for their immediate and long-term aspirations.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
