|| CF DESK ||

Captain Temba Bavuma is doubtful for South Africa's upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, set to begin on October 21, after being sidelined from the third ODI against Ireland due to an elbow injury.

Bavuma was forced to retire hurt on 35 during the second match and did not return to the field. He will consult a specialist upon his return to South Africa, according to ESPNCricino.

In his absence, Rassie van der Dussen will take over as captain for the series, with T20I skipper Aiden Markram being rested.

The injury affects the same elbow Bavuma injured during the 2022 T20 tour of India, which also caused him to miss South Africa's tour of England later that year.

South Africa has six Tests remaining in this World Test Championship cycle—two away against Bangladesh and four at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They need to win at least five of these matches to have a shot at qualifying for the WTC final next June.