Russell Domingo heads back to South Africa amidst England series

South Africa head coach Russell Domingo had to rush back to his country leaving his team behind in England. The 42-year old’s mother is in critical condition after meeting with an accident. She is currently admitted to the hospital and is under treatment.

South Africa are scheduled to face England in the second T20 international today in Taunton. The third match of the series will be played in Cardiff on Sunday.

Assistant coach Adrian Birrell, bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, batting coach Neil McKenzie, spin bowling consultant Claude Henderson and fitness trainer Greg King make up the South Africa coaching staff who will handle the matter in Domingo’s absence.

Domingo’s contract is set to expire at the end of the series against England though he has not given in confirmation. According to sources, Domingo has not asked for the extension of his contract. The South African took up the coaching responsibility in mid-2013 and has continued ever since. In his term, his contract has been renewed 3 times.

The first T20:

In the first T20 between the two teams, England took the match comprehensively as they thrashed the Proteas by 9 wickets. Batting first, South Africa could manage only 142 runs despite the loss of only 3 wickets. Skipper AB de Villers rose up to the occasion with the bat as he remained not out with 65 runs to his name. Support from the end came from Farhaan Behardien who remained unbeaten at 64 runs.

Coming on to chase the target, England wrapped up the match in the 15th over, thanks to heroics from Jonny Bairstow and Alex Hales. Bairstow stood at 60 not out at the end of the innings while Hales also did not lose his wicket and registered 40 runs under his belt. The only wicket England lost was that of opener Jason Roy who fell victim to Phehlukwayo of South Africa.