Abbott Replaces Injured Philander In Test Squad

Castle Lager Proteas seamer, Vernon Philander, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against India after sustaining an ankle injury during a training session in Bengaluru on Thursday morning. Kyle Abbott has been called up to replace Philander, and will join up with the squad on Friday morning.

Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee explained: “ Vernon rolled his left ankle during practice at the stadium in Bengaluru this morning. He was taken to the hospital for an MRI scan which confirmed an ankle ligament tear which will rule him out of the current series against India. He will return back to Cape Town this weekend to be assessed by one of Cricket South Africa’s specialists. At this moment it is still too early to tell but he will be out for a period of at least six to eight weeks.

“ The first Test match against England is six weeks away so it will be a tight schedule to get him ready and rehabilitated to make that Test match. Once he has been assessed back home in Cape Town and a proper programme for physio and rehabilitation has been put into place we will have a clearer understanding.”

Abbott last played a Test match for South Africa against the West Indies in December 2014.

Meanwhile, JP Duminy and Morne Morkel have both recovered from their respective injuries and are available for selection for the second Test starting at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Dale Steyn continues to make steady progress from a groin injury and will undergo a final fitness test on Friday before a decision on his availability for the match is made.