South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is not playing in his side’s crucnh 2023 World Cup game against England on Saturday (October 21), with Aiden Markram stepping in as skipper.

Even as all eyes were on England’s XI ahead of their game against South Africa, the Proteas sprung a surprise as Markram walked out for the toss alongside Jos Buttler at the Wankhede Stadium.

Bavuma, South Africa’s skipper for the World Cup, did not take the field, with commentator Ian Bishop to ask Markram the reason for his absence straightaway at the toss.

“Bavuma is ill, so Reeza [Hendricks] comes in. Nice opportunity for him,” said Markram after England won the toss and opted to bowl first in the game.

Bavuma, South Africa’s opener, has not had the best run in the ongoing World Cup thus far, scoring 8, 35 and 16 in three games. Under his leadership, South Africa have won two games in three outings, with the loss coming in their last match against the Netherlands.

Markram has led South Africa in seven ODIs before the England game, last captaining the side against Australia at Centurion in the fourth ODI. Under him, South Africa have won three games, with four losses.

Bavuma has been the captain of the ODI team since March 2021, taking over the leadership from Quinton de Kock.

South Africa’s XI for the England game: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

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