The Proteas received yet another injury blow on Friday as bowling all-rounder Chris Morris was ruled out for two months.
Cricket South Africa announced on Friday that Morris has been battling with a knee injury for the last eight months, and that he will miss the upcoming ODIs against Ireland and Australia.
Morris had been managing the knee niggle, but it worsened during the last fortnight, which saw the CSA medical committee recommending the two-month break. Morris will be replaced for the Australian series by Lions all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius, who was initially just picked for the one-off match against Ireland in Benoni on Sunday.
Morris’ injury comes after it was decided that captain AB de Villiers would also sit on the sidelines for the Ireland match due to an elbow problem, and there is a chance that the skipper may miss the Aussie series – which starts next Friday in Centurion – as well.
If De Villiers needs surgery, he won’t be able to feature in the three-Test series against Australia in November either.
“Chris has been carrying a chronic left knee patella tendon injury for the last eight months which we have treated and managed up to this point,” team doctor and manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said.
“The injury has flared up considerably over the last two weeks leaving us with no option but rest and rehabilitation to allow the knee time to fully recover. He will take no part in the match against Ireland and the series against Australia, and will target a return back to international cricket for the Sunfoil Test series against Sri Lanka in December.”
Morris’ absence may see Pretorius get an opportunity alongside Wayne Parnell after the left-hander enjoyed an excellent 1-Day Cup campaign with his franchise last season, while Dolphins youngster Andile Phehlukwayo could also get game time as a result.