Injured Vernon Philander to miss second Test against New Zealand

South African pacer, Vernon Philander, will miss the upcoming second Test against New Zealand due to a recurring hamstring injury, confirmed by Cricket South Africa.



Philander was a major doubt for the opening encounter against the Black Caps after suffering a hamstring strain during a first-class match, which required 10 days of rest. Nonetheless, he took the field for his side after being deemed fit for the New Year’s clash but had to leave on the third day as the injury flared up again.

However, that did not affect the outcome of the match, which the hosts won emphatically by an innings margin. Philander orchestrated the win by taking a quick five-for – his eighth overall – on the opening day, which saw the Black Caps being routed for a lowly 45. He then dismissed two more in the second innings before walking off after feeling pain in his left hamstring.

South Africa’s next Test assignment, following the conclusion of the current series against the Black Caps, will come against Pakistan, with the first of the three Tests starting from February 1. CSA has extended Philander’s rehabilitation period so that he recovers well in time for next month’s bouts.

"Vernon's hamstring strain will require a seven to 10 day recovery period at the very least," Mohammed Moosajee, South African team manager, said. "Although he is responding to treatment received over the past few days, we feel it's unlikely that he'll recover in time for this week's Test match. With the Pakistan series less than a month away, it's not worth the risk of aggravating the injury."

This will be the third Test that Philander will miss since making his debut in late 2011. He was ruled out of the Boxing Day clash against Sri Lanka the same year, before missing the Adelaide Test on tour of Australia.

His replacement will be Rory Kleinveldt, who has played two Tests for the Proteas, one coming during Philander’s absence. Kleinveldt made a disappointing debut against Australia in Brisbane, where he went wicketless in the match and overstepped on no less than 12 occasions. However, he will be aiming to make amends when he plays in front of his home fans at St George’s Park, when the Test kicks-off this Friday.