Cricket World Cup 2011
No replacement for Tahir
2011-03-10 07:30
Email | Print
Imran Tahir (File)
|
|
Eduan RoosNagpur – It’s virtually a foregone conclusion that South Africa will be without their leading wicket-taker for Saturday’s Cricket World Cup match against India.
The Proteas camp confirmed on Thursday that Imran Tahir will be placed on the
injured list for at least 10 days. Tahir broke his left thumb in Sunday’s defeat to England.
The 31-year-old leg-spinner has already taken 11 wickets in three matches in the tournament – the second-most in the current standings. He sustained the injury in Chennai when he caught Jonathan Trott off his own bowling in the Proteas’ six-run loss.
“Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) medical committee has studied X-rays of Imran’s finger and recommended that he does not play for at least 10 days,” said Proteas team doctor Mohammed Moosajee.
“The national selectors will decide (on Friday) whether he will start resting now or first play the match against India.”
South Africa have to win the match in order to stand a chance of still finishing atop Group B - and Tahir’s absence will be a major blow.
“Imran bowled without any pain in the nets (on Thursday) seeing as the injury is not to his bowling hand,” said Moosajee.
“However, it is painful when he bats and fields. The selectors may decide to risk him against India, but if the ball happens to strike him on the same finger it could be the end of his tournament.”
Moosajee confirmed that no replacement will be called up at this stage.
“As things stand now, Imran’s tournament is not over and he is still a very important part of our plans,” he said.
Titans all-rounder Albie Morkel will therefore not be packing his bags just yet.
Morkel is one of a handful of players on the “reserve list” after failing to crack the nod for the Proteas’ final 15-man squad.
However, he made sure on Wednesday night that Andrew Hudson and his fellow selectors don’t forget about him when he struck 71 unbeaten runs (off just 27 deliveries) in the Titans’ Pro20 semi-final second leg defeat against the Cape Cobras - and then took two wickets.
Meanwhile, Proteas' run-machine, Hashim Amla, has vowed that Tahir’s absence will not derail the team.
“Imran is a world class spinner and it will be a pity if he cannot play, but we have more than enough depth to replace him,” said Amla.
Johan Botha is expected to take Tahir’s place in the team after not making the starting XI against the Netherlands and England.
“Johan has been our best spinner in recent years and most countries would love to have him in their side.”