Duanne Olivier has been ruled out of South Africa's three-Test series in England because of a Grade 2 tear in his right hip-flexor muscle. Olivier sustained the injury during the four-day tour match against England Lions, which the South Africans lost by an innings and 56 runs.
"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," team doctor Hashendra Ramjee said. "After clinical assessment, he was referred for an MRI scan which revealed a grade 2 tear involving the right pectineus muscle.
"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."
Olivier was the best of the South African quick bowlers in the tour game, sending down 13 overs for returns of 2 for 59, even as the Lions put up 672 in their only outing with the bat.
Olivier became the second South African seamer to suffer an injury on the tour. Kagiso Rabada was ruled out of the T20I series against Ireland with an ankle problem and is still working on his bowling load ahead of the first Test. It is not yet known if Rabada will be fit to play.
No replacement has been named for Olivier yet, but South Africa do have five other fast-bowling options: Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje (who sat out of the tour match), Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman and Lutho Sipamla.
They are also without regular vice-captain Temba Bavuma, who did not make the tour after suffering an elbow injury on the tour of India earlier in the year.
The first Test will be played at Lord's from August 17, and will be followed by the second and third Tests, at Old Trafford (from August 25) and at The Oval (from September 8).
Squad: Dean Elgar (capt), Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Khaya Zondo, Glenton Stuurman.