South Africa vs Sri Lanka: Vernon Philander ruled out of the second Test

South Africa has been dealt with a blow as their frontline pacer Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka beginning in Port Elizabeth on Thursday owing to a hamstring injury. The Proteas are trailing the series 0-1 after the Asian side scripted a miraculous 1-wicket victory in the first Test in Durban. Sri Lanka now have a big opportunity to win their first Test series on South African soil and the exit of Philander makes it all the more challenging for the hosts.

Philander, 33, did not take the field on the final day of the game in Durban because of the injury and his absence hurt SA as they failed to stop Kusal Perera from scoring an epic 153 not out and run away with the game with the No.11 batsman. His ruling out was confirmed by Cricket South Africa (CSA). The home team, however, is not bringing in a replacement for Philander who plays only Test cricket.

Philander’s next appearance for South Africa could only be in October when the Proteas tour India for a three-Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship. The right-arm fast bowler has picked 214 wickets in 58 Tests at an economy rate of 2.66. He has been playing the long format since 2011 and has last played in an ODI in 2015 and T20I in 2007. He has 259 wickets in international cricket overall besides eight fifties in the longer format.

SA and SL to play five ODIs after Tests

South Africa will play a five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka after the second Test following which they will lock horns in a three-T20I series. Both the sides will look to make the most of the limited-over series as preparation for the World Cup.

South Africa and Sri Lanka are also scheduled to take on each other in the World Cup on June 28 and the venue is Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.