As if South Africa missing their regular No. 3 and 4 batsmen wasn’t enough, wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has now been ruled out of the remaining limited-overs series against India owing to a wrist injury.
De Kock picked up the injury during the second ODI at Centurion, which the Proteas lost by 9 wickets. It will take at least two to four week before the 25-year-old could back in action. No replacement has been announced yet which means Heinrich Klaasen in all probability will make his debut in the third ODI.
"Quinton suffered an extreme blow to the left wrist while batting in the second ODI on Sunday and felt severe pain and discomfort," Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa's team manager, said according to Cricbuzz.
"Further investigation revealed severe bony bruising to the area, with associated swelling around the tendon in the wrist. This type of injury will require between 2-4 weeks to heal, which subsequently rules him out of the remainder of the ODI and T20 series against India. The Cricket South Africa medical team will aim to have him ready for the Test series against Australia starting next month," he added.
Prior to the ODI series, the hosts had lost the services of their ace batsman AB de Villiers for the first 3 ODIs due to a finger injury. De Villiers was hit on his finger during the third Test at Wanderers and was consequently advised rest for upto two weeks.
South Africa’s injury scare took another toll during the first ODI in Durban, when Faf du Plessis suffered a finger injury while attempting a catch of his Indian counterpart Virat Kohli.
The third ODI between India and South Africa will be played at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday (February 7).
India vs South Africa limited-overs itinerary:
Feb 01, 1st ODI – Kingsmead, Durban
Feb 04, 2nd ODI – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 07, 3rd ODI – Newlands, Cape Town
Feb 10, 4th ODI – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Feb 13, 5th ODI – St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
Feb 16, 6th ODI – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 18, 1st T20I – New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Feb 21, 2nd T20I – SuperSport Park, Centurion
Feb 24, 3rd T20I – Newlands, Cape Town
