Injured Duanne Olivier ruled out of England tour

South African pacer Duanne Olivier has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match Test series against England after suffering a grade 2 right hip flexor muscle tear. The right-arm pacer endured the injury during the tour game against the England Lions side in Canterbury. Olivier returns home now to begin rehabilitation. South Africa are yet to name a replacement for the pacer. 

The 30-year-old made a comeback in the longest format against India earlier this year, where he made an instant impact. Having played in England for the longest time, Olivier’s absence could be a big miss for South Africa, who are already sweating over the fitness of their speedster, Kagiso Rabada. 

"Duanne presented with significant discomfort involving his right hip flexor muscle at the close of play on day three of the four-day tour match. After clinical assessment, he was referred for an MRI scan which revealed a grade 2 tear involving the right pectineus muscle," Proteas team doctor, Dr Hashendra Ramjee explained.

"Due to the extent of the injury, he has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against England and will return home where he will commence his rehabilitation with the Gauteng Central Lions medical team."

The first of the three Test kicks off at Lord’s on August 17, with the subsequent Tests in Manchester and London on August 25 and September 8.