Blow to Proteas: After Steyn, South Africa fret over Philander injury
SOUTH AFRICA WAS dealt another major blow on Thursday, after fast bowler Vernon Philander suffered a freak injury during a football session at the warm-ups ahead of the 2nd Test against India in Bengaluru slated to begin on Saturday.
On one hand, South Africa would be relieved after JP Duminy and Morne Morkel were declared fit to play after a long injury layoff that forced them out of action in the ODI series. Both players will be available for the second Test.
On the other, pacer Dale Steyn suffered a groin strain during the first Test, due to which Steyn did not bowl in the second innings. The fast bowler is likely to miss the Bengaluru Test.
On Thursday, the Proteas received another setback, after Philander twisted his left ankle during practice, following which he was taken for scans. The scan results are yet to be confirmed. By the looks of it, Philander appeared to be in extreme pain and he was helped off the field by the Proteas support staff.
Vernon Philander being helped off the field after he injured himself during a football session at training #IndvsSA https://t.co/xrWcn1GtIh
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 12, 2015
Update on Vernon Philander injury. He fell awkwardly on his left ankle during warm-ups. Has been taken for scans for further assessment
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) November 12, 2015
More information will be available once the scan results have been confirmed. #Philander #IndvSA
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) November 12, 2015
Having lost the first Test to India, South Africa are already on the back foot and they will be hoping to get back on track with the addition of Duminy and Morkel. However, the absence of Steyn and Philander is likely to haunt them, and much will depend on Morkel and youngster Kagiso Rabada.
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