Ottis Gibson says Temba Bavuma is still in their ODI plans.
The Proteas raised some eyebrows with their selection of Dean Elgar to replace Hashim Amla in the ODI squad for the three-match series against Zimbabwe. His inclusion comes after a three-year absence from the ODI set-up, with his last match coming against India in October 2015.
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Gibson came out on Wednesday praising the 31-year-old and even called him a ‘like-for-like replacement’ for Amla.
ALSO READ: Gibson: Elgar equal replacement for Amla
Bavuma was also an option as a replacement for Amla and despite the 28-year-old being overlooked, Gibson explained that he still remains in their plans.
‘Temba is still in the conversation but you can only pick 14 players‚ and unfortunately this time he misses out. However‚ this does not mean it is the end of it going forward‚’ Gibson said.
‘Like I said‚ there will be more opportunities for guys like Temba to come back. We have had a look at him‚ and this is an opportunity to see someone else.’
Bavuma has played two ODIs for the Proteas which includes a debut century against Ireland in September 2016. His List A record stands at 79 matches, 1,802 runs scored, and an average of 30.03 that includes three tons seven half-centuries.
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