In a pre-match presser, Quinton de Kock suggested that Temba Bavuma might miss the first ODI due to a hamstring strain, while Beuran Hendricks is back to full fitness after a sickness ruled him out of the 3rd ODI against Australia.

The Proteas have started their preparation for the series opener which kicks off on Thursday in Dharamshala.

Mark Boucher did mention that Temba was still in doubt for the first ODI hence they opted to include specialist opening batsman Janneman Malan.

Proteas ODI captain, De Kock, confirmed also that the 29-year-old Bavuma might miss out on the series opener.

“With Temba, we’ll find out now, obviously (after) fitness test,” said De Kock. “But I don’t think he’ll be ready, I’m unsure. We’ll find out now at practice.”

Another key player that was not available for selection was Beuran Hendricks who unfortunately missed out on Saturday as the Proteas whitewashed the Aussies.

“Beuran was just unfortunately ill back in South Africa but so far I’ve heard he’s back up for selection.”

A worry for most fans and athletes out there is the outbreak of the Coronavirus. But De Kock quickly emphasized that everything was well planned and there are no issues so far.

“Both teams are healthy. We’ve been tested on our way here. I think we’ll still shine the ball,” said De Kock.

“Our team doctors and management have made sure that we’re all fit and don’t have coronavirus, so we still keep the ball shining.”