All-rounder Wiaan Mulder will miss the rest of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka because of a fractured right middle finger, which is a setback to the South African cricket squad. The 26-year-old was hurt in Durban during the first Test match.
Lahiru Kumara bowled Mulder a defensive shot in the 27th over on day two of the first Test, but it failed as the ball nipped back sharply and crushed his fingers on the bat handle.
Wiaan Mulder assessment by the medical staff was completed in a flash, yet it took an unexpected ten minutes.
Mulder had to retire injured after facing two more balls, during which he even smashed a six off Dhananjaya de Silva. During lunch, X-rays were taken to confirm the fracture.
The replacement player has been announced as Matthew Breetzke.
Matthew Breetzke has been chosen by the selectors to succeed Mulder. Breetzke will be part of the team for the second Test, which will be held from December 5–9 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
With Keshav Maharaj as the only specialist spinner and Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee completing the seam attack, the team that had originally intended a four-seam, one-spinner approach now needs some adjustments. The squad still retains Aiden Markram’s off-spin as a possible bowling option even with Breetzke entering the game.
The hosts are currently batting in their second innings of the first Test, and they are in a solid position overall. The team wants to increase their lead and provide the visitors with a difficult score.
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