BENGALURU: South Africa’s fitness issues have doubled ahead of the second test against India, with the South Africa bowler Philander being ruled out of the Test series with a freak injury.
South Africa are scheduled to play the Second Test of the four match test series against India on November 14th, at Bengaluru.
It has been reported that the South African bowler has suffered an injury during a practice session at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After the incident, Philander was taken to the nearby hospital for medical analysis. The medical tests revealed that the fast bowler had suffered multiple ligament injuries on his left leg and will need six weeks of rest.
AB de villiers said that Philander injured himself during the practice session, stepping accidentally on Dean Elgar’s foot.
Dr Mohammed Moosajee, the team manager for South Africa said “Unfortunately Vernon Philander was injured. Doctors advised him a six weeks bed rest. He will be sent back to his home in Cape Town with in a week. Mean while, Kyle Abbott will replace him in the squad for the Test series”.
“He will undergo specialist treatment at home and we hope that he will be available for the test series against England which starts in six weeks”, he added.
South African players have been suffering from injuries right from the start of the 3rd ODI against India. During the first test at Mohali, Dale Steyn had developed a groin injury and has not bowled a spell in the second innings. On the hand, Morne Morkel had also been suffering with fitness issues having missed the last two ODIs and the first test at Mohali.
De villier said that an assessment will be made over the fitness of Dale Steyn, before deciding over his selection in the second test. “Morne Morkel and JP Duminy have successfully recovered from their injuries and are now available for selection”, he added.