South Africa vs Pakistan: Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma out of T20 series with injured hamstring

Johannesburg: Recently-appointed South African white-ball captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the Twenty20 international series against Pakistan, which starts on Saturday, because of a hamstring injury.

It is a further blow to South Africa, who are already missing five leading players because of Indian Premier League commitments.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen will take over as captain for the four-match series which gets underway at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

Among the South African absentees not involved in the IPL are opening batsman Reeza Hendricks and all-rounder Dwayne Pretorius, while batsman Rassie van der Dussen is still recovering from a quad muscle injury.

⚠️ SQUAD UPDATE

Captain Temba Bavuma ruled out through injury. Heinrich Klaasen will lead the team in the #KFCT20 Series#SAvPAK #SeeUsOnThePitch@KFCSA pic.twitter.com/478gFcwoph

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 9, 2021

Hendricks has left the squad for the birth of his first child, while Pretorius has not fully recovered from a broken rib.

#BreakingNews Proteas white-ball captain, @tbavuma10 has been ruled out of the upcoming four-match #KFCT20 international series against Pakistan after suffering a Grade One hamstring strain. #ProteasTeamUpdate #SAvPAK #Thread pic.twitter.com/1scRvBltsf

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) April 9, 2021

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and leg-spinner Imran Tahir will be taking the field in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings as the first innings in Johannesburg draws to a close, while fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje are contracted to Delhi.

David Miller will be playing for Rajasthan Royals.