South African speedster Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (19th February) with a hamstring injury to be played at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Thursday (21st Feb).
On Tuesday, the Proteas coach Ottis Gibson has confirmed that Philander, who did not bowl in the second innings of Sri Lanka’s one-wicket win in Durban last weekend, picked up a grade one hamstring tear, which would keep him out of action for the next 10 to 12 days.
The Gibson has also hinted that the uncapped all-rounder Wiaan Mulder would be considered as a “like for like” replacement for the injured all-rounder, but his inclusion depends on the conditions in Port Elizabeth.
At the moment, South Africa are trailing the two-match series 1-0 after a stunning knock of 153* by Kusal Perera, but Gibson has insisted that the hosts are not focusing on revenge in Port Elizabeth.
Gibson said, “There’s no focus on revenge, our focus is on playing a little bit better.”
Updated Proteas Test squad v Sri Lanka:
Faf du Plessis (Captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Zubayr Hamza, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Duanne Olivier, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn
(With AFP Inputs)
