Aiden Markram injured ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final game? Check details

George Linde was absent from Western Province training on Monday as he traveled to join the South Africa squad for the ICC Champions Trophy, raising concerns about Aiden Markram’s fitness ahead of South Africa’s crucial semi-final clash against New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday, March 5. Markram, who has been leading the team in Temba Bavuma’s absence, suffered an injury during South Africa’s match against England on Saturday, March 1. While batting, Markram experienced discomfort in his hamstring, which forced him to leave the field. At first, he played down the seriousness of the injury, stating it was not a major concern. However, as the days passed, it has become clear that the injury might be more severe than initially thought.

This development has raised doubts about his availability for the semi-final, adding to the uncertainty surrounding South Africa's lineup. The team management will closely monitor Markram’s recovery in the coming days before making a final decision on his participation in the crucial knockout match. His fitness will be key for South Africa, as Markram has been an important player in their middle order and leadership during Bavuma’s absence. The team will be hoping for a quick recovery, as they prepare for what promises to be a thrilling semi-final encounter.

“I think it's all right. It was mostly precautionary more than anything else. It feels okay. Hopefully, over the next few days, I can get some good rest, sort it out, and be good to go from there," South Africa's stand-in captain Aiden Markram had said after the England game.

After their match against England, the South African team traveled to Dubai before returning to Pakistan 18 hours later once their semi-final location was confirmed. Upon arriving in Lahore, the team announced that Aiden Markram would undergo a fitness assessment on Tuesday, March 4, to determine his availability for the upcoming semi-final against New Zealand. However, George Linde's sudden call-up to the squad raises concerns that Markram’s hamstring injury might be more serious than initially anticipated. Linde’s inclusion suggests the team is preparing for the possibility that Markram might not be fit to play. South Africa will be closely monitoring Markram's fitness in the coming days, hoping for a positive outcome. His potential absence would be a significant blow to the Proteas, given his role as both a leader and a key middle-order batter. The team will await the fitness test results to make a final decision.

The 33-year-old George Linde last played for South Africa in September 2021 during a series against Sri Lanka, but he has been in excellent form lately across all formats. His recent strong performances earned him a return to the national T20I side last year, and he played a crucial role in MI Cape Town’s successful campaign in the SA20, where they won the championship.

On the other hand, Aiden Markram had a solid performance against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy, scoring an unbeaten 52 off 36 balls. However, the 30-year-old has had limited opportunities to bat in the tournament, having only batted once so far. Markram’s injury has raised concerns, especially after he experienced hamstring soreness during the match against England. The team will be hoping for a quick recovery, but Linde’s call-up indicates that South Africa is preparing for the possibility of Markram’s absence. With Linde in good form and Markram's fitness in question, South Africa will need to make crucial decisions ahead of their semi-final clash against New Zealand.