South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada could be fit for the first Test against England. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz / BackpagePix
PREDICTION: Is this the Proteas XI that will face England?
With the Proteas set to begin a three-Test series against England on Wednesday, we take a look at their probable lineup.
South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada could be fit for the first Test against England. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz / BackpagePix
The Proteas suffered a heavy defeat in a four-day warm-up against the England Lions in Canterbury last week, which formed part of the preparation for the highly-anticipated start of the Test series this coming week.
It’s also been confirmed that fast bowler Duanne Olivier has been ruled out of all three Tests due to a grade 2 right hip flexor muscle tear. Olivier sustained the injury during the tour match in Canterbury.
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Although it is a big blow for the Proteas, the absence of Olivier could somewhat ease up a possible selection headache, while it increasingly seems that Kagiso Rabada will be cleared to play.
Looking ahead to the first Test, this is how we think the Proteas could line up:
1 Dean Elgar (captain, Titans)
2 Sarel Erwee (Dolphins)
3 Keegan Petersen (Dolphins)
4 Rassie van der Dussen (Lions)
5 Aiden Markram (Titans)
6 Kyle Verreynne (WP)
7 Marco Jansen (Warriors)
8 Keshav Maharaj (Dolphins
9 Kagiso Rabada (Lions)
10 Anrich Nortje (Warriors)
11 Lungi Ngidi (Titans)
When it came to Olivier, Proteas team doctor, Dr Hashendra Ramjee explained: “Duanne presented with significant discomfort involving his right hip flexor muscle at the close of play on day three of the four-day tour match. After clinical assessment, he was referred for an MRI scan which revealed a grade 2 tear involving the right pectineus 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 commence his rehabilitation with the Gauteng Central Lions medical team.”
Notably, no replacement has been named.
Earlier this month, it was also confirmed that Rabada had 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 medical management and rehabilitation and his progress will be closely monitored in preparation for the upcoming three-match Test series.
“I hope [he’s available], he’s come on well. I think the one concern is always maybe his loads. But he’s a great athlete and his body seems to have recovered nicely,” coach Mark Boucher told reporters on Monday.
“He’s not feeling too much pain, he’ll have his final test to find out how he’s going but, I’m hoping he pulls through, he’s a massive player for us as we all know, so for him to be a part of the final XI will be very special for us.”
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Proteas Test squad against England
Dean Elgar (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Sarel Erwee (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), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Imperial Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Imperial Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Imperial Lions), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper, Six Gun Grill Western Province), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Glenton Stuurman (Gbets Warriors)
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South Africa Test Tour to England Itinerary
Tests
17 – 21 August
England vs South Africa – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
25 – 29 August
England vs South Africa – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
08 – 12 September
England vs South Africa – Kia Oval, London
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