Proteas captain Temba Bavuma’s thumb “improving by the day”

Temba Bavuma is expecting to play in the Proteas’ first T20 World Cup warm-up match against Afghanistan on Monday.

The Proteas captain, who broke his thumb against Sri Lanka last month, will have his first “live net” on Friday as he continues his recovery.

“My hand is definitely improving by the day,” Bavuma said on Thursday. “It’s getting stronger and I am getting a lot more comfortable with it.

“Tomorrow will be the first time I am having a live net, facing bowlers, so I am looking forward to that and that will give me a better indication of how far I’ve progressed.

“At the moment, everything is still on track. I am looking to play in the warm-up games. I am feeling good.”

Bavuma was set to face Proteas bowlers in the nets on Friday as no bowlers from outside the squad are allowed due to bio-bubble protocols.

“What I am trying to get out of it is to get comfortable with my hand and with what I can do and, I guess, make peace with what I can’t do,” he said, referring to his grip on the bat.

“I can’t say I am scared or anything like that. It’s hard for me to give any emotions. It’s just for me to get the necessary comfort and also to assess where I am.”

Bavuma said he was ready to open the batting with Quinton de Kock again.

“My role is quite obvious and clear to me. I’m someone who comes in at the top.”