vernon philander, south africa, south africa new zealand test series, south africa new zealand tests
Vernon Philander. -Photo by AFP

PORT ELIZABETH: Match-winning opening bowler Vernon Philander was on Tuesday ruled out of the second and final Test against New Zealand, the Proteas' management said on Tuesday.

Philander, who will be replaced by Rory Kleinveldt for the match starting in Port Elizabeth on Friday, felt a recurrence of a left hamstring injury during the closing stages of the first Test in Cape Town last week.

The 27-year-old quick was named man of the match after taking five wickets for seven runs as New Zealand collapsed to 45 all out in the first innings.

South Africa won the match by an innings and 27 runs.

Team manager and doctor Mohammed Moosajee said: “Vernon's hamstring strain will require a seven to 10 day recovery period at the very least.

“Although he is responding to treatment received over the past few days, we feel it's unlikely that he'll recover in time.”

Moosajee said the fact that South Africa will play three Test matches against Pakistan, starting on February 1, was a factor in reaching an early decision.

“With the Pakistan series less than a month away, it's not worth the risk of aggravating the injury,” he said.

Kleinveldt will earn his third Test cap. All-rounder Ryan McLaren has been added to the squad as cover.

Opinion

Editorial

Missing links
Updated 27 Apr, 2024

Missing links

As the past decades have shown, the country has not been made more secure by ‘disappearing’ people suspected of wrongdoing.
Freedom to report?
27 Apr, 2024

Freedom to report?

AN accountability court has barred former prime minister Imran Khan and his wife from criticising the establishment...
After Bismah
27 Apr, 2024

After Bismah

BISMAH Maroof’s contribution to Pakistan cricket extends beyond the field. The 32-year old, Pakistan’s...
Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...