Leaders Online Desk : World Cup 2023 : There is only one week left for the ICC World Cup to begin. The first match of the tournament will be played between England and New Zealand on October 5. Teams from all over the world have entered India. Barring a few, players and other members of all 10 participating teams are currently in India. Practice matches will also start from September 29. But in the meantime the teams of South Africa and Australia have suffered a big blow.
South African captain Temba Bavuma returns home
There are reports that South African cricket team captain Temba Bavuma has suddenly returned to his country after coming to India. The reason for his return is not clear, but he has to go home due to some family reasons. This means that Temba Bavuma will no longer be able to play practice matches for his team. Hence, Aiden Markram will now be seen holding the captaincy in the warm-up matches. South Africa have to play warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand. The. He is said to be back in India by the time the African team takes the field to play their first match in the World Cup. The full schedule announced by the ICC will see South Africa play their first match against Sri Lanka on October 7. This match will be played at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Although Temba Bavuma will be back by the time the match starts, if he doesn’t come back for some reasons, it will be a big problem for the team. (World Cup 2023)
Ashton Agar left for Australia due to injury
There is bad news for the Australian team as well. Ashton Agger, one of Australia’s best players, has been ruled out of the World Cup. He is said to be returning home due to a major injury. It is not yet clear who will replace him in the Australian team. As per the ICC deadline, the team’s roster can be changed only till September 28. Not only Australia but some other teams may also make minor, if not major, changes to their squads. But overall the return of these two players is not a good news for South Africa and Australia. (World Cup 2023)