He had been faced with a strong request from Pakistan that the game be delayed because they could now only field 10 fit players on the eve of a match due to start at Wanderers this morning.
It is now likely the Test will be put back until next Thursday, which would mean the cancellation of the provincial tour game in Bloemfontein, to accommodate Pakistan.
Only 18 hours before the first ball was due to be bowled in the Test the Pakistan management told Bacher that mugging injuries to the off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and fast bowler Mohammad Akram had reduced them to three fit bowlers.
Saqlain needed a neck brace, and Akram was left nursing a severe gash on his bowling hand.
Bacher pointed out that the implications of any postponement were ``substantial''. It affected television time, sponsorship deals, liquor and food catering and ticket-holders.
The Pakistanis were adamant in pushing for the delay. Quick bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Waqar Younis were already on the injured list - though in Waqar's case it was conceded his back problem made him only ``a little bit'' below par for a five-day game - and Rashid Latif, the tour captain, was also ruled out.
Amir Sohail, vice-captain, said the morale of the side had suffered considerably as a result of the attack. ``We are all very shocked. We couldn't really concentrate on our practice in the nets.'' The assault on Saqlain and Akram took place only 20 yards from the front entrance of the five-star Sandton Sun Hotel in an area notorious for robberies.
In an understandably emotional outburst immediately after the incident Latif said there must be doubts about whether the tour should continue. ``This is a very big issue,'' he said. ``We have come here to play good cricket and have good relations with the South African people, and now this happens.''
Bacher gave the tourists an assurance that security for the players would be stepped up. ``We're sure this won't happen again,'' he said.
He expressed his sincere regrets for what he called ``an act of thuggery''. He said: ``It's a calamity. I'm very, very disturbed by what happened. But this dastardly act will only strengthen our determination to ensure our two countries go forward together in cricket.''
Latif said: ``Our concern is that, if one more injury crops up before the start of the Test, we won't even be able to put out 11 fit players.''
The players here are confined to the top floor of their hotel. Opening batsman Ali Naqvi said: ``We are prisoners. We have been told we must not go out.''
Saqlain and Akram were crossing the road outside the hotel to eat at a local Indian restaurant, when a car drew up. Two men jumped out and demanded money.
Saqlain said later he had not understood what they wanted until the assailants started pulling at him, tearing his shirt. He was hit on the neck with what police say was ``a sharp weapon''.
When Akram went to his collegue's aid, grabbing the weapon, he received a deep cut. He was punched in the ribs and knocked to the ground.
Their wallets were stolen, but Naqvi said: ``Neither was carrying much.''