Vernon Philander is in a race against time to be fit for the first Test at Lord’s next week, as Dean Elgar captains the side against the England Lions.
Philander continues to make satisfactory progress, following the right-ankle injury he sustained while playing for Sussex two weeks ago, but team manager, Dr Mohammad Moosajee, said he’s going to need to prove his fitness.
‘Vernon is in the final stages of his rehab following the injury to his right ankle two weeks ago. He is building up to bowl at full pace by the end of the week to prove his availability for selection for the first Test match against England at Lord’s next week.’
Elgar leads the side for the first time in his career, and Chris Morris has been named as Philander’s replacement. Faf du Plessis is back home in anticipation of the birth of his child, and Theunis de Bruyn steps in as batting cover.
South Africa XI: Heino Kuhn, Dean Elgar (captain), Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (wk), Chris Morris, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpage Pix
