Philander not ready to face England

Cape Town - Seam bowler Vernon Philander will miss the Proteas’ opening two Tests against England due to an ankle injury.

Philander tore ligaments in his ankle when playing soccer in a warm-up shortly before South Africa’s second Test against India in Bangalore last month.

The Proteas are also sweating on the fitness of fast bowler Dale Steyn, who missed the last two Tests in India with a groin injury.

Meanwhile, Stiaan van Zyl, Temba Bavuma, Simon Harmer and Dane Piedt will all play in the first round of the domestic Sunfoil Series next week to get more game time.

The first of four Tests against England starts in Durban from December 26, with the selectors expected to announce the SA Test squad for the series later this week.