Philander ruled out of first two England Tests
South Africa seamer Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the first two Tests of the upcoming four-match series at home against England, while fellow paceman Dale Steyn will undergo a fitness test on his groin injury.
The 30 year-old Philander injured his ankle before the second Test in the recent Test series in India and will not have recovered sufficiently for the start of the games against England, which gets underway on Boxing Day in Durban.
Steyn also missed the last three matches on the India tour after he could not recover from a groin strain he picked in the first Test against the Asian side.
The Proteas management though are confident that Steyn will have enough time to recover and play in the game the day after Christmas.
South Africa coach Russell Domingo does not want the selectors to make panic decisions regarding team selections after their three-nil drubbing in the Test series in India, but there are few places up for grabs within the starting line up.
The opening batsman berth has still not been solved while the balance of the bowling attack will have to be addressed.
Domingo said after arriving back from India: "There might be one or two changes based on the brief and informal discussions I've had with the selectors.
"I'd hate us to panic and make irrational decisions because we have some quality players. India were better than us, that's the bottom line."
Latest
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
NewsPaul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.
-
NewsMatt Parkinson out of England squad with Harry Brook and Matthew Potts included
James Anderson and Stuart Broad are back.
-
NewsMatthew Mott takes control of England’s white-ball teams – who is the new coach?
The 48-year-old Australian is England’s new limited-overs head coach.
-
NewsAustralian Matthew Mott named head coach of England men’s white-ball teams
Mott has signed a four-year agreement, having edged out Paul Collingwood for the role.
-
NewsHarry Brook and Matthew Potts included in England Test squad
James Anderson and Stuart Broad also return.
-
NewsHenry Nicholls thinks Brendon McCullum is an “inspiring” appointment by England
McCullum was appointed England Test head coach last week.
-
News‘Huge respect between two of us so no animosity’ – James Anderson on Joe Root
Anderson and Stuart Broad are set for England recalls on Wednesday, a couple of months after being jettisoned for the West Indies tour.
-
NewsTom Harrison stepping down as chief executive of the ECB
Managing director of women’s cricket Clare Connor will take over on an interim basis in June.
-
NewsTom Harrison steps down as ECB chief executive
Harrison has been in the post for the last seven years.