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South Africa battle injuries

The Proteas, keen to make amends after their 2-0 Test series defeat by Lanka, have concerns over the fitness of key players.

Published on: Aug 11, 2006 11:12 AM IST
None | By , Colombo
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South Africa hope several of their key players recover from injuries before the triangular series with Sri Lanka and India begin from next Monday.

HT Image
HT Image

The South Africans, keen to make amends after their 2-0 Test series defeat by Sri Lanka, have concerns over the fitness of pace bowler Makhaya Ntini, all rounder Shaun Pollock and captain Mark Boucher.

Pollock is nursing a sore lower back and Boucher has an injured left elbow, but both are expected to play in the opening match against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

A question mark, however, remains over Ntini's participation in the match after he pulled a hamstring during the second Test. Fast bowler Dale Steyn has been drafted into the squad as cover.

"Makhaya is receiving treatment and his injury is being monitored closely by the physiotherapist, but we are confident that he will pull through by Monday," coach Mickey Arthur told reporters.

"He is due for a fitness test over the weekend and it is very unlikely that he will play any part in the team prior to that."

The injured trio will miss a practice game against a Sri Lanka Academy XI on Friday.

AB de Villiers will keep wicket in the absence of Boucher.

 
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE and more across India.
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike LIVE and more across India.
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