England will be without opening batsman Rory Burns for the remainder of this month’s Test series against the Proteas.

Burns sustained an ankle injury during practice earlier this week – and will likely be replaced in the XI by the inexperienced Zak Crawley.

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The right-handed Burns scored nine and 84 in last week’s 107-run defeat for England at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer’s participation is also in doubt. He is nursing an elbow injury.

‘Look at Jofra’s short career, he’s had a big impact on big Test matches for us. It will be a loss if he doesn’t play, but it would create opportunities for whoever comes in,’ said captain Joe Root.

Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, meanwhile, has confirmed opening batsman Pieter Malan will debut at Newlands. He will replace the injured Aiden Markram, who sustained a finger injury late last month.

The hosts lead the four-match series. The third and fourth Test will be played at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth and the Wanderers in Johannesburg, respectively.

‘We have to learn to make strong positions count. When our backs are up against it we come out fighting. Our challenge is that once we get in that position, we make it count,’ added Root.

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