Day four of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 between South Africa and Australia has begun with South Africa on the brink of securing their first ICC title in many years. However, a significant concern looms over the South African camp: the hamstring injury sustained by their captain, Temba Bavuma, on Day 3.
South Africa started the day needing just 69 runs to win, with Aiden Markram (102) and Bavuma (65) at the crease. Markram had played a stunning innings on Day 3, becoming the first South African to score a century in an ICC final.
Bavuma's injury occurred on Day 3, as he pulled up with a hamstring issue. Despite the obvious discomfort, receiving treatment on the field, and visibly hobbling between wickets, Bavuma demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to remain at the crease. He forged a crucial 143-run partnership with Markram, steering South Africa towards victory. The pair frustrated the Australian seam attack.
The decision for Bavuma to continue batting despite the injury was a major talking point. South Africa's assistant coach, Ashwell Prince, revealed that there were discussions at tea time about whether Bavuma should retire hurt. Prince stated that both Bavuma and Markram were firm in their decision for the captain to continue. Markram felt that maintaining the partnership was crucial, and he was willing to adjust his running between the wickets to accommodate Bavuma's injury.
Bavuma himself saw the WTC Final as the "pinnacle of his Test career". The images of him continuing to bat despite the injury, with a strapped thigh and a visible limp, became symbolic of South Africa's fighting spirit.
The South African dugout was visibly nervous during Bavuma's innings, reportedly debating the possibility of sending in a substitute if the injury worsened. However, the skipper reassured them and insisted on staying unless medically forced to leave.
As play commenced on Day 4, the immediate question was whether Bavuma would be able to continue his innings. While he ended Day 3 unbeaten, concerns lingered about how his body would respond after a night's rest. The team's faith in his leadership and grit was evident, but the practical implications of the injury remained a major consideration. Ultimately, Pat Cummins dismissed Temba Bavuma.
