As Day 4 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final dawns at Lord's, the question on every South African cricket fan's mind is: will Temba Bavuma be fit enough to resume his innings? The South African captain, battling a hamstring strain sustained on Day 3, played a crucial role in steering his team to a commanding position, but his participation on the final day remains uncertain.

Bavuma's resilience and determination have been lauded by many, including South Africa's batting coach Ashwell Prince. Following the close of play on Day 3, Prince acknowledged the significance of the moment for Bavuma, stating, "He's had to fight throughout his career, and this could be a defining moment for his career.” Prince's words suggest that Bavuma is not only physically battling an injury but also carrying the weight of expectations and the desire to lead his team to victory on the biggest stage.

South Africa ended Day 3 needing just 69 runs to win the WTC Final, with eight wickets in hand. Aiden Markram, who scored a magnificent century, and Bavuma, who remained unbeaten on 65, forged an unbroken 143-run partnership that put South Africa in a dominant position. The decision to allow Bavuma to continue batting, despite the hamstring injury, highlights the trust and unity within the South African camp. According to Prince, both Bavuma and Markram were "adamant" that the captain should continue, prioritizing the partnership and the team's chances of winning. Markram also reportedly curbed his running intensity to accommodate Bavuma's injury.

The 35-year-old Bavuma has faced immense scrutiny throughout his career, particularly after becoming the first black African batsman to represent South Africa in Test cricket in 2014. This context adds another layer to the significance of his performance in the WTC Final. Overcoming adversity and leading his team to the brink of victory would undoubtedly be a defining chapter in his cricketing journey.

However, the night's rest could potentially impact Bavuma's condition. As Prince noted, "Temba is tough," alluding to his captain's mental fortitude. He also highlighted the team's unity, emphasizing that "they are well aware that South Africa have had much greater individual players, but they've got something special going on in that dressing room, and that sort of helps them to drag each other along.”

Adding another layer of complexity is the weather forecast for Day 4. There's a 55 percent chance of precipitation during the first session, coupled with 60 percent cloud cover and wind gusts reaching up to 48 km/h. A yellow warning for thunderstorms has also been issued. Rain could become a significant obstacle for South Africa, who are seeking their first major ICC trophy since the 1998 ICC Knockout tournament.

While the potential for rain looms, the focus remains on Bavuma's fitness and his potential contribution on Day 4. Whether he walks out to bat or not, his leadership and the example he set on Day 3 have undoubtedly inspired his team.