Huge blow for South Africa! Wiaan Mulder ruled out of cricket with middle-finger fracture
Published - 29 Nov 2024, 02:21 PM | Updated - 29 Nov 2024, 02:22 PM
South Africa have suffered an injury blow as their allrounder Wiaan Mulder has been ruled out of the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined after fracturing his right middle finger while batting in the first innings of the first Test at the Kingsmead, Durban. Wiaan Mulder suffered the injury while facing the first ball of the 27th over bowled by Lahiru Kumara.
It was the fifth delivery that he faced in the innings. On a tough Kingsmead pitch, Wiaan Mulder injured his finger after it jammed into the bat handle as he went for a defence. He immediately received treatment on the field but could not continue for long.
Wiaan Mulder faced two more deliveries in his innings before deciding to retire hurt. His innings ended on 9. During the lunch interval, he was taken for an x-ray and the scans confirmed the fracture. With Mulder out, Ryan Rickelton was the substitute fielder.
Wiaan Mulder's replacement:
With Mulder ruled out of the series, South Africa have called up Matthew Breetzke as a replacement. The 26-year-old made his Test debut last month during the tour of Bangladesh. Even though South Africa won the Test in Mirpur, Breetzke was out for a duck on his debut.
Earlier this month, Breetzke had a fine outing with the bat during the first-class game between Warriors and Western Province. He impressed with the bat in both the innings, scoring 52 and 53 in addition to taking a wicket. Overall, he has scored 3376 runs in 56 first-class games with the help of 8 centuries and 16 half-centuries.
Talking about the game, 19 wickets fell on day two of the Test. Starting day two on 80 for 4, South Africa were all out for 191 runs. Captain Temba Bavuma scored 70 runs to help his side post a respectable total. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for their lowest Test total of 42.
Their innings lasted less than 14 overs. For South Africa, Marco Jansen starred with the ball, taking 7 for 13. In the second innings, South Africa were on 132 for 3 at stumps.
