Bavuma has 'acceptance' over scrapped Aussie tour despite Proteas' World Cup complications

Captain Temba Bavuma says there is an "acceptance" of the decision taken by Cricket South Africa (CSA) to scrap an all-important ODI series between the Proteas and Australia in January next year.

The three-match series, which was due to take place in Australia, formed part of the ICC Super League, which sees the top eight ranked sides on the table qualify automatically for the 10-team 2023 World Cup in India. 

The Proteas, currently 11th on the standings, are desperate for points and this series would have been an ideal opportunity for them to start moving in the right direction. 

Last month, however, CSA announced that the series had been scrapped so that the Proteas could return to South Africa to compete in the new-look T20 franchise competition that has attracted investment from six Indian Premier League owners. 

The Proteas will forfeit the series and the Super League points. 

Speaking to Sport24, Bavuma said there was an understanding as to why the decision was taken by CSA, but he also acknowledged a now "realistic" possibility of the Proteas missing out on automatic World Cup qualification. 

That would leave them heading to Zimbabwe in June/July next year for a 10-team World Cup qualifier tournament to determine the final two participants in India. 

It is obviously not a route the Proteas would like to take, but it is looking increasingly likely. 

South Africa now have six matches left in the Super League - three away to India, three at home to England - and with 10 log points on offer for each, there are no guarantees. 

"At the end of the day, all we could really do as players was to accept the decision that had been made," said Bavuma.

"Part of that acceptance was understanding why the decision was made and that it was