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Cape Town - Vernon Philander is in doubt for the New Year's Test against New Zealand after a flare up of his left hamstring during the Sunfoil Series match between Cobras and Titans at Newlands.
According to the Cricinfo website, Philander bowled five overs and took a wicket before leaving the ground to have scans. Initial estimates were a recovery time of 7-10 days, but that has been extended to up to two weeks following the results of scans.
"MRI scans revealed that Vernon suffered a Grade 1 strain to his left hamstring. Injuries of this type usually have a 10 to 14 day recovery period," said Mohammed Moosajee, the South African team manager who is also a medical doctor.
"We will assess the injury as the week progresses, and this will help determine whether his availability for the Test series will be affected. At this point he will not bowl again during the match and will only bat if necessary."
The first Test starts in 12 days' time, on January 2, so it is a tight
time scale for Philander.
The second Test follows on January 11, which
will give him three weeks to recover. Should Philander miss the first
match, Rory Kleinveldt is likely to play, as he did when Philander's back seized-up and forced him to miss the Adelaide Test against Australia.
The news of Philander's injury came on the same day that it was confirmed New Zealand's No 1 bowler, Tim Southee, was ruled out of the tour with a thumb injury.
