Published 13:50 IST, June 14th 2019
World Cup 2019 | Hashim Amla could be fit for India clash
Veteran South Africa opener Hashim Amla, who was hit on his helmet grille in the World Cup opener, is expected to regain full fitness for the team's third game against India in Southampton on Wednesday.
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Veteran South Africa opener Hashim Amla, who was hit on his helmet grille in the World Cup opener, is expected to regain full fitness for the team's third game against India in Southampton on Wednesday.
Amla missed the game against Bangladesh here on Sunday after suffering the blow against England on Thursday. He missed a sharp bouncer from Jofra Archer that thudded into his helmet grille, forcing him to leave the field.
Amla did return to bat in South Africa's chase but had not fully recovered from the impact. His team eventually lost the game by 104 runs.
"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."
However, the team management is hopeful of Amla's return for the India game.
"We are hopeful that he will make a full recovery to be available for selection for our next match against India," added Moosajee.
Speaking about injury concerns, even Indian skipper Virat Kohli suffered a minor injury at the nets during the practice session ahead of Team India's World Cup opening clash against South Africa. The world-class batsman ended up injuring his right thumb. However, the top-ranked batsman in both Tests and One-Day Internationals has been declared fit and will be competing in India's World Cup opener against the Proteas.
Meanwhile, South Africa's star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada had also taken a dig at Virat Kohli by calling him 'immature.' Rabada's remarks have made it a perfect ingredient for what is expected to be a blockbuster face-off at Southampton.
16:59 IST, June 2nd 2019