Champions Trophy 2013: Morne Morkel exit a big blow, says AB de Villiers
Chris Morris will replace Morne Morkel, who is ruled out of the tournament with a thigh strain.
South Africa were dealt a body blow on Friday with the news that their premier fast bowler Morne Morkel has been ruled out of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy with a thigh strain.
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Fast bowling allrounder Chris Morris has been confirmed as Morkel's replacement in the South Africa squad, an ICC media release said on Friday. (Read: Unforced errors and miscommunication ruined us, admits South Africa captain AB De Villiers)
Proteas strike bowler Dale Steyn missed the tournament opener against India due to side strain and is yet to be back to full fitness. Skipper AB de Villiers was indeed a worried man after the side's 26-run loss in Cardiff on Thursday.
"We will assess the situation every day and then hope for the best, but missing both Steyn and Morkel will be a massive blow," De Villiers said.
South Africa's next game is against Pakistan on Monday, June 10 and according to De Villiers, that game is a do-or-die affair.
"We have to win our next two matches because in a short tournament, there are no margin for errors. We come here to win all games and we will take a lot of positives from the defeat against India," De Villiers said.