South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the Proteas’ three-day warm-up match against the English Lions in Worcester owing to his rehabilitation from an ankle injury that he sustained while playing for Sussex County Cricket Club a couple of weeks ago.
Dr Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, confirmed the news and hoped that the bowler will regain full fitness in time in order to prove his fitness for the series-opener against England from July 6.
“Vernon is in the final stages of his rehab following the injury to his right ankle two weeks ago. He is building on to bowl at full pace by the end of the week to prove his availability for selection for the first Test match against England at Lord’s next week,” Mohammed Moosajee said.
Proteas Plagued By The Absence of Key Members:
Philander is the third big important member to miss the warm-up game. South Africa’s Test skipper Faf du Plessis is awaiting the birth of his first child and is doubtful to play the first Test while head coach Russell Domingo has also flown back home for a family emergency. The upcoming four-match Test series is set to be Domingo’s last series in charge, as his contract expires after the series and he has reportedly not re-applied for the job.
Meanwhile, Dean Elgar is likely to stand-in as the captain if du Plessis fails to arrive in time for the first Test at Lord’s.
Chance For South Africa To Finish The Tour On A High:
South Africa’s sojourn in England has been anything but memorable. After losing the three-match One-Day International series 2-1, the AB de Villiers-led side exited the Champions Trophy at the group stage following heavy losses against Pakistan and India. Their fortunes did not change in the T20I series either, as they lost the three-match series 2-1.
The upcoming four-match Test series will be their last opportunity to walk away from England with their head held high. And considering both the teams’ performances in the past Test series, South Africa will start the series as favourites. The Proteas have defeated Australia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand in their last three series while England was beaten 4-0 by India in their last Test assignment.