Philander has X-ray on injured hand

London - South Africa were a bowler down at the start of England's second innings in the first Test at Lord's on Saturday after Vernon Philander went for an X-ray on a hand injury.

"England begin their 2nd innings. Bad news for SA, Philander has gone for an X-ray after he was hit on his bowling hand when batting," said a statement on Cricket South Africa's Twitter feed.

The 32-year-old Philander was hit on his right, bowling, hand by opposing paceman James Anderson during Saturday's morning session.

Despite the blow Philander - 21 not out at lunch - went on to make 52 before he was last man out in a total of 361.

That left the Proteas 97 runs behind on first innings after England made 458.

Although South Africa can deploy a substitute fielder in Philander's absence, the substitute is not permitted to bowl under the Laws of Cricket.

South Africa could now be without two members of their first-choice attack for next week's second Test at Trent Bridge after fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was suspended from that match as a result of verbally abusing England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Thursday's first day at Lord's.

England begin their 2nd innings. Bad news for SA, Philander has gone for an X-ray after he was hit on his bowling hand when batting #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/TVnTVgYFC4

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) July 8, 2017