Vernon Philander will return for Sussex on 21 May, if all goes well with his rehabilitation. 

The 31-year-old Proteas bowler’s rehabilitation is in on track after picking up a groin injury in the County Championship for Sussex in their 226-run defeat gainst Kent last weekend.

Philander returned to Cape Town last week for rest, recovery and rehabilitation as he aims for a return to action on 21 May, for day one of their County Championship match against Durham.

Sussex’s Director of Cricket, Keith Greenfield, confirmed Philander’s return date on Sussex’s official website on Monday.

‘We are pleased with the news that Vernon is on course to re-join us for the re-commencement of the Championship,’ he said.

He will, however, miss the Royal London One Day Cup, which kicks off on Thursday.

‘Despite the disappointing start in the four-day campaign, we are actively working to bolster the ranks with a replacement for him in the Royal London One-Day Cup, and we hope to be able to confirm shortly.’

Philander missed out on selection for the Proteas’ ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy starting on 1 June.

Selection for the Test side will be expected for Philander, as the Proteas take on England in a four-match Test series starting at Lord’s on 6 July.

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