India Include Gurkeerat Mann for Bangalore Test; South Africa Lose Vernon Philander After Freak Injury
India have included all-rounder Gurkeerat Mann for the second Test in Bangalore, while South African pacer Vernon Philander's ankle injury has ruled him out of the series.
India have included Gurkeerat Mann in their squad for the second Test against South Africa starting in Bangalore on November 14. The 25-year-old all-rounder carried drinks during the first Test in Mohali. (India vs South Africa: Despite Mohali Rout, Imran Tahir Keeps Chin up)
Mann is one of India's exciting prospects. He was included as a back-up for the first Test after the Indian team management released three players - Rohit Sharma, Stuart Binny and Ishant Sharma -- to play Ranji Trophy.
A right-handed batsman and an off-break bowler, Mann took nine wickets against Andhra Pradesh last week. He scored an unbeaten double hundred against Railways in October. (Delhi in Danger of Losing Fourth India-South Africa Test)
Injured Philander Ruled Out of Test Series
© BCCI
Meanwhile, a freak injury to Vernon Philander has ruled him out of the ongoing Test series. The South African pacer twisted his left ankle during a warm-up session in Bangalore on Thursday. He has been replaced by Kyle Abbot.
The incident happened during a football game when the pacer accidentally stepped on Dean Elgar's foot. The support staff had to carry Philander off the field.
The team management, however, decided to take no chances and took him for an immediate scan to determine the full extent of the injury.
Philander had picked up 2-38 in the first innings and followed it with 1-23 in the second innings of the Mohali Test, which the visitors lost by 108 runs.
South Africa are already reeling under injury woes as their premier fast bowler Dale Steyn picked up a groin injury in the first Test. Earlier, Morne Morkel and Jean-Paul Duminy too missed out on the Mohali Test due to injuries.