South African cricketer Hashim Amla is facing race against time to be fit for their game against India. The talented opener took a blow on his helmet during their World Cup opener against England.
The pace of Jofra Archer meant he was retired hurt early in the innings. Although, Amla managed to come back and bat against England, South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee has revealed the player is yet to recover completely.
There was a hope that he would be available for selection against Bangladesh on Sunday. However, the team management decided against it after assessing his condition before the game.
South Africa are playing in a tight schedule at the beginning of the world cup. Even after playing against England on Thursday, they are playing on Sunday. The Proteas will play against India on Wednesday.
“Hashim hasn’t fully recovered from the blow sustained to the helmet during the match against England on Thursday and is not available for selection for the match today,” said team manager Mohammed Moosajee.
“With the quick turnaround between the two matches, he is being rested as a precaution, based on our post-match re-assessment.”
Despite his slow recovery, the South African team management are hoping him to be available for India clash. After a woeful start against England, South Africa will need to win majority of matches to keep their chances alive. A win against Bangladesh is a must as they will be morally ready for the game against India on Wednesday.
“We are hopeful that he will make a full recovery to be available for selection for our next match against India,” added Moosajee.
South Africa In Injury Crisis
Hashim Amla is not the only player that missed Bangladesh clash due to an injury. South Africa’s leading pacer Dale Steyn is also out with shoulder injury.
With both of them missing, the team is missing experienced campaigners ahead of the game against India. The team management are hopeful that the duo will be back. But there is still no particular return date.
Steyn suffered a shoulder injury during his short stint for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2019. On the other hand, Amla had a head injury in the opening match of World Cup 2019. If the pair are not fit in time, South Africa’s world cup hopes could soon be over.