Durban - Graeme Smith suffered a recurring ankle injury during the fourth Momentum one-day international between South Africa and Pakistan on Thursday and is likely to miss the decider on Sunday.
“His chronic left ankle problem has surfaced again during this ODI series and today he was quite symptomatic,” said team manager and doctor Mohammad Moosajee on Thursday.
“We've been trying to manage him but this impingement syndrome really slowed him down today and, as things stand, he is unlikely to play on Sunday.”
VIDEO: South Africa v Pakistan: 4th ODI HighlightsMoosajee said it was the same injury which has resurfaced after he had surgery on it a year ago and ideally, he just needed to rest it and allow the ankle to recover.
“If it doesn't heal, the ankle specialist needs to decide whether to infiltrate cortisone in the area and surgery would be the last resort, so we're hopeful he won't need another operation.”
Quinton de Kock had been drafted into the squad after Faf du Plessis was ruled out for at least six weeks and would be the obvious replacement for Smith as he opens the batting for the Lions.
Dale Steyn landed awkwardly while attempting a catch off his own bowling on Thursday, but managed to bowl out his 10 overs taking one wicket for 26.
“He suffered almost a whiplash-type injury which created a bit of muscle spasm but he played through it,” said Moosajee.
“He will have some physio and he'll be on treatment for the next few days but I'm sure he'll be fine for Sunday.”
The other injured player in the South African camp was Morne Morkel who strained his hamstring in the second test against Pakistan but was well on his way to a full recovery.
“As with all hamstring injuries, you don't want to load them too early and the challenge with Morne is he hasn't got enough overs under his belt.
“He might be released to play for the Titans tomorrow in their T20 game, to bowl four overs, and then have a day off on Saturday and be considered for selection on Sunday.”
Other players to be released for their franchise T20 Challenge matches
were Aaron Phangiso and De Kock for the Lions, Colin Ingram for the
Warriors, Kyle Abbott and David Miller to play for the Dolphins and
Farhaan Behardien would join Morne Morkel at the Titans.