Philander To Miss Second Test, Kleinveldt To Play

Philander To Miss Second Test, Kleinveldt To Play

Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand

©REUTERS / Action Images

All-rounder Vernon Philander has been ruled out of South Africa's second Test against New Zealand with a persistent left hamstring injury.

Philander suffered the injury on the final day of the first Test in Cape Town - which South Africa won by an innings to go 1-0 up in the two-match series - and has not recovered sufficiently.

Ryan McLaren had been drafted into the Test squad as cover for Philander and Rory Kleinveldt will replace Philander in the side for the match, which gets underway on 11th January in Port Elizabeth.

bet365 make South Africa the overwhelming 1/16 favourites to win the second Test, with the draw 11/2 and New Zealand 16/1.

"Vernon's hamstring strain will require a seven to 10 day recovery period at the very least," team manager Mohammad Moosajee 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 in Port Elizabeth. 

"Besides, with the Pakistan series less than a month away, it’s not worth the risk of aggravating the injury," he added.

Philander only made his Test debut in November 2011 but has quickly established himself as a key member of South Africa's bowling attack, taking 74 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of 17.40 with eight five-wicket hauls.

Kleinveldt made his Test debut during the recent tour of Australia, playing the first two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide, deputising for Philander in the second of those matches.

South Africa team for second Test: Graeme Smith (captain), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wicket-keeper), Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Robin Peterson, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt

© Cricket World 2013