Vernon Philander Out Of Second Sri Lanka Test

South Africa have suffered a big injury setback ahead of the do-or-die second Test against Sri Lanka. The hosts will be without their pacer Vernon Philander for the final Test, set to start on February 21 at Port Elizabeth. Philander is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. He had suffered the injury during the first Test itself and had not come out on the field on the last day of the game. In fact, he had bowled just 18 overs in the game.

Cricket South Africa confirmed the news through Twitter, writing:

“Injury update from the Proteas camp: Vernon Philander will miss the second Castle Lager Test against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury. There will be no replacement add to the squad #SAvSL.”

Injury update from the Proteas camp: Vernon Philander will miss the second Castle Lager Test against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury. There will be no replacement add to the squad #SAvSL pic.twitter.com/gKiU2ZGexc

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 19, 2019

Missing Philander will be a big blow for the Proteas after the way they lost the series-opener. Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Perera played the knock of his life to fire the visitors to a breathtaking win. The southpaw remained unbeaten on 153, helping the visitors chase down an improbable 304 with a wicket left. At one stage Sri Lanka were reeling at 110 for 5 and then 226 for 9.However, the hosts just could not find a way past the last-wicket stand as they missed the experience of Philander dearly.

Philander, who has played 58 Tests, has picked 214 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 2.66. With Philander unavailable, South Africa might turn to medium-pacer, Wiaan Mulder. 21-year old Mulder made made his ODI debut in 2017 but is yet to debut in Tests.

“We will look at the conditions and then we will try to make the best decision for the team. Obviously, Mulder would be a like-for-like replacement for Vernon, so that is something that we will consider as well,” said South Africa coach Ottis Gibson.

After the second Test, both teams will take on each other in a five-match ODI series, starting on March 3 at the Wanderers. The subsequent three-match Twenty20 Internationals begin on March 19 with the first match at Newlands in Cape Town.