South Africa has called up George Linde as a traveling reserve for injured Aiden Markram, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. Markram will undergo a fitness test for the semi-final against New Zealand. Linde’s addition is strategic as South Africa prepares for a potential final against India in Dubai’s conditions, which may require an extra spinner. The team is also managing a significant list of injuries to players.
South Africa has included allrounder George Linde as a traveling reserve for the Champions Trophy, covering for Aiden Markram, who is sidelined due to a right hamstring injury sustained while fielding against England. Markram will need to pass a fitness test at training on Tuesday evening to assess his availability for the semi-final match against New Zealand. He joins an extensive injury list that has already sidelined several fast bowlers, including Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee.
Linde will integrate into South Africa’s training camp but will officially replace Markram in the squad only if the ICC approves the change. His inclusion is particularly strategic as South Africa prepares for a potential final against India in Dubai, where the drier conditions may necessitate an additional spinner. Currently, the team has two spinners: Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, with Maharaj being the only one who has played in Pakistan.
In the 2025 SA20 tournament, Linde significantly contributed to MI Cape Town’s first championship, achieving 161 runs at a strike rate of 153.33 and taking 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.29 across 11 matches. Recently, he also excelled with Western Province in the One-Day Challenge Division One, scoring 106 runs and capturing four wickets in five outings. Additionally, left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is accompanying the squad as a traveling reserve, while Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi return to training after recovering from illness.
In summary, George Linde’s call-up as a backup for Aiden Markram underscores South Africa’s strategy to bolster their squad amid injury challenges. His recent performances highlight his capability to contribute significantly, particularly in spin-friendly conditions that may arise in a potential final. The team’s depth is crucial as they navigate through the tournament with existing injuries to key players.
Original Source: www.espncricinfo.com
