Published: Aug 04, 2017, 03:40 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 04, 2017, 03:40 PM (IST)
Visitors South Africa have been forced to make a couple of changes in the playing XI for the fourth and final Test against hosts England at Old Trafford on Friday, after Vernon Philander and Chris Morris were ruled out following lower back strains. They have been replaced by Theunis de Bruyn and Duanne Olivier. As for the toss for 4th Test, England skipper Joe Root has won the toss and elected to bat first, as he moves in with an unchanged playing XI from the win in 3rd Test at The Oval. England currently lead the series 2-1, as they have also retained the Basil D’Oliveira Trophy 2017. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: England vs South Africa 2017 – 4th Test at Old Trafford
The Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday released an official statement regarding the exclusion of Philander and Morris:
The Standard Bank Proteas have made two forced changes for the fourth Test match against England starting at Old Trafford in Manchester on Friday. Theunis de Bruyn and Duanne Olivier have been selected in the place of Vernon Philander and Chris Morris, who have both been ruled out due to lower back strains.
Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee commented on the injuries: “ Vernon and Chris have been struggling with injuries to their left lower backs this week. They didn’t come through their respective fitness assessments successfully and will unfortunately not be able to take part in this Test match.”
Faf du Plessis lost the toss and was asked to bowl in overcast conditions, with the forecast set to remain the same over the next five days. Philander and Andile Phehlukwayo will return back to South Africa this weekend. Ernest Kemm, Brady Barends and Francois Hassbroek will assist with twelfth man duties throughout the match.
England lead the series 2-1 with one match remaining in the series.
Teams:
South Africa: Heino Kuhn, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (c), Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier.
England: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Tom Westley, Joe Root (c), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Toby Roland-Jones, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
