Lions would welcome Temba Bavuma with open arms - Hashim Amla
Lions coach Russell Domingo and batting coach Hashim Amla express enthusiasm for the potential temporary return of Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma to the Lions, highlighting the benefits of his experience and professionalism for the team’s youngsters. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
One player that could add a massive boost to the Lions this season, even on a temporary basis, could be Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma.
At the season launch for the Lions at an already baking hot Wanderers Stadium, Lions coach Russell Domingo said Bavuma might turn out for the Lions a couple of times in the coming season if his schedule permitted.
Normally nationally contracted players don’t get much game time domestically, but Bavuma has begun to struggle with injury over the last few seasons. It means that if he needs to prove his match fitness at some stage over the coming season, he would be an automatic starter for the Lions.
At the moment, he is recovering from a Grade 2 calf strain and is hoping to be fit just in time for the Proteas first Test against Pakistan in Lahore on October 12.
Lions Batting Coach Hashim Amla Welcomes National Team Captain’s Possible Return
“I don’t think we have too much say in the rehabilitation of his injury, but certainly hopefully when he’s fit and he’s around to play for the Lions, I mean to have the national team captain playing is always a huge plus,” Amla told IOL.
“The youngsters can learn from the professionalism that he brings, so yeah, hopefully if he’s fit and ready and he can play for the Lions a few times.”
Amla Highlights Benefits of Bavuma Playing for Lions
The chance to play with the World Test Championship-winning skipper Bavuma would also be an invaluable experience for the youngsters in the Lions side, explained Amla.
“Of course you want your best players to play for as long as possible, so yeah, hopefully he does. But from a Lions perspective, certainly if he’s available for the Lions and it’s a huge plus, growing up you want to see your, or you want to play with your national players because you see the different standards that they bring, they bring the international standard to domestic cricket and that’s why he’s playing.
“If he plays for the Lions, it will be a huge benefit to the youngsters.”