ENG vs SA: Andile Phehlukwayo ruled out of ODIs following collision with Keshav Maharaj

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that star all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo won’t be taking any further part in the remaining two ODIs against host England. The Protean was subbed off the field after sustaining a concussion following his collision with skipper Keshav Maharaj on Tuesday.

The incident took place when Keshav Maharaj and Andile Phehlukwayo went for the same ball during England’s chase, and the latter was seen with bruised chin after coming together with his skipper’s shoulder. The 26-year-old was replaced by Dwaine Pretorius under ICC’s protocols for concussion substitutions. He was under observation after coming off the field.

The visitors’ team doctor Dr. Hashendra Ramjee shed light on his situation and revealed that he has shown signs of improvement, which is encouraging for the Protean team, and will continue on the road to recovery after the commencement of his rehabilitation program. Although he won’t be part of the team for the second and third ODIs, he might be able to feature for South Africa in the T20I series following the remaining two ODIs.

“Following his concussion, Andile has been monitored closely and has shown signs of improvement. He will now commence his concussion return to play rehabilitation program,” Ramjee said in an official statement by the CSA.

South Africa impressed with their all-round clinical performance in the series opener

Keshav Maharaj’s side produced a clinical performance in the first ODI on the 19th of July, Tuesday and completed a comprehensive victory by 62 runs against the hosts. The veteran spinner leading the Proteas in the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, made some smart decisions in the first ODI, especially his decision to bat first on a record-breaking humid day, as the pitch slowed down in the second innings and run scoring was considerably difficult.

After Rassie van der Dussen’s phenomenal century in the scorching heat in Durham, the South African bowlers bowled intelligently, making full use of the dimensions of the outfield as the English batters struggled for fluency on a pitch with indeterminate bounce. In pursuit of the visitors’ 333, England were in the match until Anrich Nortje came in to break all hopes of an unlikely victory with three wickets in one over, including Joe Root’s.