Champions Trophy: Key South Africa player in doubt for semi-final, Linde called up as cover

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named spin-bowling all-rounder George Linde as cover for Aiden Markram ahead of their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand, scheduled in Lahore on Wednesday.

Markram, who injured his right hamstring while fielding against England, will undergo a fitness test at training on Tuesday to determine his availability for the semi-final against New Zealand.

The right-hander is the latest addition to South Africa’s injury woes. Before the tournament started, Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams – all fast bowlers – were ruled out.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

George Linde, the left-arm spin bowling allrounder, will join the South African squad as a traveling reserve as cover.

According to the reports, Linde will join the Proteas camp on Tuesday but will not officially replace the injured batter in the squad until he is ruled out and the ICC’s event technical committee confirms the replacement.

For the unversed, South Africa thrashed Afghanistan and England to reach the semi-final in the Champions Trophy. Their game against Australia was washed out due to rain.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

South Africa squad for Champions Trophy 2025:

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

Read: Smith, Carey’s half-centuries set India 265 to win in Champions Trophy semi-final