Proteas opening batsman Dean Elgar has been sidelined for the rest of October, after being felled by a short delivery from fast bowler Umesh Yadav on day three of the third and final Test against India.

Elgar was struck on the helmet shortly before the tea break. He retired hurt and went for scans, which confirmed a concussion.

‘Elgar was assessed by the team’s medical staff and diagnosed with concussion after suffering a blow to the head off the bowling of Yadav,’ read a statement from Cricket South Africa.

‘The opening batsman will be closely monitored over the next 24 hours, followed by reassessment every 24 hours until signs and symptoms resolve.

‘The soonest he can return to play is in six days’ time in keeping with the standard concussion management protocol.’

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The right-handed Theunis de Bruyn, who was dropped for this match, promptly returned as a concussion substitution.

‘De Bruyn was named the approved concussion substitute for Elgar. He returned unbeaten for 30 off 42 balls at stumps,’ added CSA.

Earlier this year, Australian batsman Steve Smith was concussed by a bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer. The injury forced the first concussion substitute in the history of international cricket, as the South African-born Marnus Labuschagne replaced Smith for the remainder of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in London.

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