The Proteas suffered a heavy defeat in a four-day warm-up against the England Lions in Canterbury last week, part of the build-up to the much-anticipated start of the Test series next week.
It was also confirmed that fast bowler Duane Olivier has been ruled out of all three Tests with a Grade 2 right hamstring tear. Olivier was injured during a tour match in Canterbury.
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​​​​​​While this is a big blow for the Proteas, Olivier’s absence may ease the potential selection headache somewhat, while it looks increasingly likely that Kagiso Rabada will be cleared to play.
Ahead of the first Test, we believe the Proteas could line up as follows:
1 Dean Elgar (captain, Titans)
2 Sarel Hervey (Dolphins)
3 Keegan Petersen (Dolphins)
4 Rassie van der Dusen (Lions)
5 Aiden Markram (Titans)
6 Kyle Verrain (WP)
7 Marco Jansen (Warriors)
8 Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins
9 Kagiso Rabada (Lions)
10 Henrich Nortier (Warriors)
11 Lungi Ngidi (Titans)
When it came to Olivier, Proteas team doctor Dr Hashendra Ramjee explained: “Duane was in significant discomfort with his right hamstring late in the game on day three of the four-day tour. After clinical evaluation, he was referred for an MRI, which revealed a grade 2 tear of the right soleus muscle.
“Due to the extent of the injury, he has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against England and will return home where he will begin his rehabilitation with the Gauteng Central Lions medical team.”
It should be noted that a replacement has not been named.
It was also confirmed earlier this month that Rabada has been ruled out of the T20 series against Ireland following a review of his left medial ankle injury by the Proteas medical team.
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He will continue his medical and rehabilitation and his progress will be closely monitored as he prepares for the upcoming three-match Test series.
“I hope so [he’s available], he went well. I think the only concern is always maybe his workload. But he’s a great athlete and his body seems to have recovered well,” coach Mark Boucher told reporters on Monday.
“He’s not in too much pain, he’s got one last test to see how he goes, but I hope he can pull through, he’s a big player for us as we all know, so for him to be part of the final XI will be special for us.”
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Proteas vs England Test Squad
Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Sarel Hervey (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Lungi Ngidi ( Momentum Multiply Titans), Henrich Nortier (Gbets Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagisa Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Luta Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Rassie van der Dusen (Imperial Lions) , Kyle Verrain (Wicketkeeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province), Khaya Zonda (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Glenton Sturman (Gbets Warriors)
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Test tour route to South Africa to England
Tests
August 17-21
England v South Africa – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
August 25-29
England v South Africa – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
08 – 12 September
England v South Africa – Kia Oval, London
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