Faf du Plessis “sustained an acute left lumbar (lower-back) strain while batting”
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been sidelined for the upcoming Twenty20 series against Bangladesh after sustaining a lower back strain.
Du Plessis suffered the injury, which was initially thought to be a hip problem, during the third and final ODI in East London on Sunday, which the Proteas won by 200 runs.
Du Plessis, who was named Man of the Match, was forced to retire hurt on 91, which came off 67 balls and included 10 boundaries and a six.
“Faf sustained an acute left lumbar (lower-back) strain while batting and immediately left the field in extreme discomfort,” South Africa team manager Mohammed Moosajee was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. “He will return back to Cape Town overnight for investigation and further management. He has been withdrawn from the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh starting in Bloemfontein on Thursday.”
The 33-year-old returned back to Cape Town on Sunday night and will receive treatment throughout the week.
Since South Africa’s next assignment will be the inaugural four-day Test match against Zimbabwe on Boxing Day, there will be no need for Du Plessis to rush back from his injury.
In Du Plessis’ absence, JP Duminy will assume the role of captain, while all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius has been added to the squad.
The Twenty20 series between South Africa and Bangladesh begins on October 26 in Bloemfontein.
South Africa’s T20 Squad: JP Duminy (capt), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, Robbie Frylinck, Beuran Hendricks, David Miller, Mangaliso Mosehle, Dane Paterson, Aaron Phangiso, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi