South Africa Announce Roster Update, Linde Brought In As Cover for Injured Aiden Markram Ahead Of Champions Trophy Semifinal

Champions Trophy 2025: Cricket South Africa is making some necessary moves ahead of their CT 2025 semi-final clash against New Zealand. The Proteas Men have an injury concern with Aiden Markram after he suffered an injury during the team's final group-stage match against England. While Markram hasn't been ruled out of the competition, the management has made the call to bring in a substitute player in case Markram is not fit for action in the upcoming clash.  

Proteas Men Bring In Linde As Cover For Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram suffered a right hamstring injury when he was in action against England in their final group stage match of the Champions Trophy. Markram was the stand-in captain after regular skipper Temba Bavuma was out of action due to illness. However, Markram's injury restricted him from being a part of the ENG-SA clash, and he had to leave the field on the 31st over.

As per reports, Aiden Markram is expected to undergo a fitness test on Tuesday evening, which will determine his availability for the second semi-final against New Zealand. The Proteas Men have brought in left-arm spin bowling all-rounder George Linde, but that does not mean that Markram has been ruled out

"He will undergo a fitness test at training on Tuesday evening to determine his availability for the semi-final against New Zealand. Linde will join the South African camp on Tuesday evening but will not officially replace Markram in the squad unless he is ruled out and the ICC's event technical committee confirms the swap," a report from ESPNcricinfo mentioned.

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Temba Bavuma Opens Up On SA's Injury Concerns

The Proteas Men's camp has been marred with injury issues, with Aiden Markram being the recent one picking up the hamstring problem. Skipper Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi were also out of action, but they have returned for training and are out of illness.

"Linde is here just in case, but Aiden Markram will have a fitness test today, while I and Tony (de Zorzi) are feeling much better from our bout of illness," Temba Bavuma said at the pre-match press conference, as quoted by PTI.

South Africa and New Zealand will lock horns at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, March 05, 2025.

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