“We don’t want to be foolish by taking short-cuts”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa pace bowler Vernon Philander will miss the national team’s World Cup match against the West Indies after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.

Philander sustained the injury during South Africa’s 130-run loss to India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on February 22.

Philander, who underwent an MRI scan on Monday, only managed to bowl four overs during that match before he left the pitch.

It has also been announced that Philander may miss the match against Ireland on March 3 as well.

“We have to give him every opportunity to make sure that he can be available,” South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee said. “At the same time we don’t want to be foolish by taking short-cuts. If he passes all the fitness tests and is symptom free going into the Ireland game he may play but at this stage it is too early to tell.”