Kallis Unable To Bowl, Philander Expected To Recover

Kallis Unable To Bowl, Philander Expected To Recover

Jacques Kallis leaves the field after suffering a hamstring injury on the opening day in Adelaide

©REUTERS / Action Images

Vernon Philander and Jacques Kallis were early casualties for South Africa, even before they suffered a mauling at the hands of Australia on the opening day of the second Test in Adelaide.

Philander didn't even make the team due to a sore back and Kallis bowled just 3.3 overs before limping off with a hamstring strain. Australia went on to close the day on 482 for five.

Philander has a lower back strain and is expected to be fit for the third and final Test, which begins in Perth on 30th November.

Kallis's grade one hamstring strain will prevent him from bowling but he will bat and his availability for the final Test will be assessed closer to the match.

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"Vernon’s scan reveals nothing more than a lower lumbar muscle strain as initially suspected," South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed.

"He will receive treatment and undergo rehabilitation during the course of the current Test match and we are hopeful he will be fit for the final Test in Perth.

"Jacques has suffered a Grade 1 strain to his right hamstring. He will not be able to bowl in the current Test match but can bat, we can only make a call on his availability for the next Test match closer to the time as it is subject to how he responds to treatment."

South Africa have endured a particularly unlucky run of injuries both in the run-up to and during recent high-profile series.

Ahead of the Test series in England earlier this year, Mark Boucher, Marchant de Lange and Albie Morkel suffered injuries and none of the three players has featured since, Boucher eventually retiring due to a serious eye injury.

Then in Australia, JP Duminy ruptured an Achilles tendon during a warm down on the opening day of the first Test in Brisbane.

© Cricket World 2012