London: Veteran South Africa opener Hashim Amla, who was hit on his helmet grille in the World Cup opener, is expected to regain full fitness for the team’s third game Wednesday against India in Southampton.
Amla missed the game against Bangladesh here Sunday after suffering the blow against England, Thursday. He missed a sharp bouncer from Jofra Archer that thudded into his helmet grille, forcing him to leave the field. Amla did return to bat in South Africa’s chase but had not fully recovered from the impact. South Africa eventually lost the game by 104 runs.
“Hashim hasn’t fully recovered from the blow sustained to the helmet during the match against England and is not available for selection for the match today (Sunday),” said team manager Mohammed Moosajee. “With the quick turnaround between the two matches, he is being rested as a precaution, based on our post-match re-assessment.”
However, the team management is hopeful of Amla’s return for the India game. “We are hopeful that he will make a full recovery to be available for selection for our next match against India,” added Moosajee.
PTI