Returning Bavuma expected to open at World Cup as top order uncertainty swirls

Proteas convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang expects T20 captain Temba Bavuma to open the batting at next month's World Cup in Australia as concerns over the balance and composition of the top order intensify. 

Bavuma has sufficiently recovered from an elbow injury that prevented him from being part of the England touring group.

His absence though opened up an opportunity for Reeza Hendricks to peel off four consecutive 50s - three against England and one against Ireland - and stake a claim for a starting berth in Australia. 

READ | Proteas rocked by Rassie injury, Bavuma returns to lead at T20 World Cup

With Quinton de Kock a sure-fire bet to open in the format, a selection headache looms that could now be made easier with the injured Rassie van der Dussen missing the tournament.

The Proteas have a short three-match series in India in early October before heading off to the World Cup to test combinations, with Mpitsang being open to experimentation when needed. 

"Temba has been playing for the Lions, he's well recovered and he's ready. He will be opening the batting because that's the role he's played for the last year, so that's where I see him batting," Mpitsang said.

"We'll start to see in India, but based on the conditions that we have in front of us, but we have the resources to make the calls when the time comes.

"We had Hendricks opening the batting in India and Temba batting at three, while Rilee has batted at three and very well."

Mpitsang though was rather stumped when asked whether Bavuma would be able to sit out a game if the need arose.

Of South Africa's top-order options, Bavuma has the lowest strike-rate with 120, with Hendricks having the second-lowest with 125. 

With the other top four options having strikes of