ENG vs SA: Injured Duanne Olivier ruled out of the Test series

In a big blow for South Africa ahead of their Test series against England, express pacer Duanne Olivier has been ruled out of the series. The right-arm pacer suffered a grade 2 right hip flexor muscle tear during the four-day practice game against the England Lions played recently at the Spitfire Ground St Lawrence in Canterbury.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has not named any replacement for the pacer with the first Test match slated to start on August 17 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. The next two matches will be played at Old Trafford and The Oval respectively as both teams have already announced their squads for the fixture.

Due to the extent of the injury, Duanne Olivier has been ruled out: South Africa’s team doctor

Proteas team doctor, Dr. Hashendra Ramjee, in an official Cricket South Africa (CSA) release 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,” he added.

Talking about the home team, the Three Lions will be high on confidence as they have previously beaten New Zealand in a Test series, followed by an excellent victory over team India in the rescheduled Test match. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, the home team will be looking to emulate their performances in the upcoming series against South Africa as well.

Proteas Test squad against England:  Dean Elgar (captain), Sarel Erwee, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo, Glenton Stuurman.