Chris Morris, South Africa all-rounder, ruled out of Tests vs Bangladesh

Chris Morris, who has been struggling with a back injury, will be unavailable for South Africa’s two-Test series against Bangladesh. On the other hand, Vernon Philander will miss the first Test due to a back problem.

In a major blow to South Africa, all-rounder Chris Morris has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh.

Chris Morris, South Africa all-rounder, will miss the two-Test series against Bangladesh due to a back injury. (Twitter/Ashoka News‏)

Proteas team manager Mohammed Moosajee confirmed the news of new head coach Ottis Gibson’s unveiling on Tuesday, reports Sport24.

(Read | Bangladesh cricketer Rubel Hossain denied entry to South Africa)

Morris has been struggling with back injury and it is hoped that he would be able for the limited-overs fixture against Bangladesh beginning October 15 which includes three ODIs and two T20Is.

The 30-year-old has played just four Tests for the Proteas so far, in which he has taken 12 wickets at 38.25.

(Read | Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh captain, eyes ‘landmark’ South Africa series)

Pacer Vernon Philander is already out of the first Test and veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn has already declared himself not ready to play Test cricket at the moment.

Steyn has been out of action since he got his right shoulder fractured during Australia’s first innings of the opening Test against South Africa, which the Proteas went on to win by a massive 177 runs at the WACA in Perth.

The two-Test series begins in Potchefstroom on September 28 while the second match starts on October 6 in Bloemfontein.