Vernon Philander was struck on the hand during his battling half-century © Getty Images
Vernon Philander has sustained “bruising but no fracture” after being taken for an x-ray on his right hand on the third day of the Lord’s Test. He is unlikely to bowl again today, but will be assessed as the match progresses.
Philander sustained the injury after being hit by James Anderson while batting. He did not take the field for the England second innings, leaving South Africa with only two frontline quicks.
Philander had not scored a run when he was struck by a short ball from Anderson – the 12th he faced. He received treatment on field, including a painkiller and went on to score 52 off 86 balls, which included seven boundaries. Although Philander routinely wrung out his hand after several shots, he did not appear to be in any significant discomfort.
The diagnosis is a relief for South Africa, who feared being robbed of a third first-choice player. They are without Faf du Plessis for this Test after he remained at home following the birth of his first child and will be without Kagiso Rabada for the second Test after he was suspended for a code of conduct violation.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo