By BV Swagath
Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the Second Test at Port Elizabeth against New Zealand because of a hamstring injury. Philander’s absence will be a big boost for the Kiwi batsmen as the seamer had wrecked them apart on the first day of the Durban Test for a paltry total of 45. Philander claimed an effortless 8th five-wicket haul in Test cricket bowling just the 6 overs for his 5 for 7.
The replacement for Philander is Rory Kleinveldt who had played a couple of Tests in Australia with average results. Philander meanwhile will be out of action for 7-10 days and will target the next home series against Pakistan to make his comeback from injury.
The Second Test between South Africa and New Zealand begins on the 11th of this month at Port Elizabeth.