Injuries hit South Africa, New Zealand
South Africa and NZ both announced injury setbacks ahead of two Tests between the countries.
South Africa and New Zealand both announced injury setbacks on Thursday ahead of two Tests between the countries starting on January 2.
South African fast bowler Vernon Philander suffered a hamstring injury during a domestic four-day match in Cape Town on Thursday and will not bowl again for the Cape Cobras against the Titans.
Team manager and doctor Mohammed Moosajee said it was a grade one injury to his left hamstring and the normal recovery period was ten to 14 days. This could make Philander a doubtful starter for the first Test in Cape Town.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will be without leading fast bowler Tim Southee for the two-Test series after Southee injured a thumb during a domestic match between Northern Districts and Wellington.
Neither Philander nor Southee was due to play in a three-match Twenty20 series which starts in Durban on Friday.
