Look who is declared fit to play the second Test against England

South Africa’s Vernon Philander has been declared fit to play ahead of the second Test against England at Trent Bridge. The right arm medium fast bowler suffered a nasty blow on his right hand while he was batting in the first inning of the first Test.

The announcement will definitely raise up the confidence of the whole team while they look to equal the series after the 211 run loss in the first Test.

Philander was struck with a James Anderson delivery on his strong hand, which is the right. It was the 12^th ball he was facing and was not yet of the mark. He was immediately provided with medical attention on the pitch. Despite the injury, the Bellville born bowler went on to score a crucial half-century for his team. However, he went for an x-ray after the South African inning. According to Sport24, the x-ray reports revealed that the bowler did not suffer any fracture.

Kagiso Rabada ban:

South Africa’s most lethal weapon, Kagiso Rabada will have to sit out for the second Test at Trent Bridge because of a suspension. The bowler used foul language after picking up the wicket of English all-rounder Ben Stokes in the first innings which led to his 1 match ban. He collected a demerit point due to actions which added up to his previous three he collected during an altercation with Niroshan Dickwella in the month of February.

Cricketers all over the world came in support of Rabada and stated that it was too harsh a decision by the ICC to ban the bowler for such a petty issue. Duanne Olivier, Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo are the contenders to replace Rabada in the second Test. Nevertheless, the availability of Philander is a certain boost for the team as the loss of two primary bowlers who have tough to deal with for the South Africans.