Vernon Philander has returned to South Africa to recover from a groin injury, and is set to return to action in England on 21 May.

The Sussex paceman suffered a groin injury during his County Championship match against Kent over the weekend, which prevented him from bowling in the second innings. As a result, he’s due to return to South Africa for rest, recovery and rehabilitation.

Sussex have announced that he will be available for the four remaining Championship matches which fall under the time period of his contract, starting against Durham on 21 May and finishing in the middle of June as he begins preparations for the Proteas’ Test series against the English. It means he will miss his side’s Royal London One Day Cup campaign.

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images