Duanne Olivier

Duanne Olivier was recovering from Covid-19 and had suffered a mild hamstring strain according to Proteas selection convener Victor Mpitsang. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Proteas struck by injury blow as Duanne Olivier is ruled out

Proteas quick Duanne Olivier will miss the Test series against England that starts later this week after sustaining an injury in the warm-up game.

Duanne Olivier

Duanne Olivier was recovering from Covid-19 and had suffered a mild hamstring strain according to Proteas selection convener Victor Mpitsang. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Proteas quick Duanne Olivier will miss the Test series between England and South Africa that starts later this week after sustaining an injury in the warm-up game.

The 30-year-old fast bowler sustained the hip problem during the four-day tour clash against the England Lions in Canterbury. 

The injury is considered serious enough for the paceman to be sent back home to South Africa, meaning the Proteas will be missing firepower in attack.

Duanne Olivier is ruled out of first Test

South Africa Proteas
The Proteas in a huddle. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix

Olivier has extensive County Cricket experience and his loss comes as blow to the hopes the team has of firming up their bid to reach the World Test Championship final.

“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,” said Proteas team doctor Dr Hashendra Ramjee.

ESPN Cricinfo

“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.”

Who can the Proteas turn to in hour of need

The Proteas are yet to name a replacement for Olivier; however, Kyle Abbott is currently in the UK for a stint with Hampshire and he could make for a sensible replacement for his fellow former Kolpak.

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Abbott has been tearing it up for Hampshire recently bagging a hat-trick in County Championship action.

The opening Test clash between England and South Africa begins on 17 August 2022 at Lord’s.

Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester will host the second encounter on 25 August.

The third and final clash will take place at The Oval and will begin on 8 September.

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