Temba Bavuma-led South Africa have reportedly been dealt with a couple of injuries ahead of the second Test match against India, which will take place at ACA Stadium in Guwahati. The visitors are currently leading 1-0 in the two-Test match series with a 30-run win in the first Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Injury scare for South Africa
As per News18 CricketNext, off-spinner Simon Harmer is suffering from a shoulder injury, and left-arm seamer Marco Jansen is also carrying a niggle, which they had checked up at the Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata, the same centre that treated Shubman Gill’s injury.
Will Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen feature in 2nd Test vs India?
However, the report further added that it's unclear whether the duo will feature in the Guwahati Test. Harmer and Jansen were among the Proteas’ best performers in their historic win against India. Harmer returned figures of 4/30 and 4/21, while Jansen picked up 3/25 and 2/15 in the two innings as they bundled the hosts for 189 and 93, respectively.
Harmer's bowling in 1st Test
Notably, Harmer bowled nearly 30 overs in total, the most by any player on either side. South Africa will be hoping that his injury is not serious and he can be fit in time to participate in Guwahati, which is expected to offer another pitch with helps the spinners. The 36-year-old off-spinner could be particularly key because India might again field a batting order heavy with left-handers for the match.
Shubman Gill's injury
On the other camp, India Test captain Shubman Gill will also likely to miss the second Test match due to a niggle in the neck. India recently had an optional training session where Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel faced spinners while wearing only one pad to counter the turning deliveries.
Will Shubman Gill travel to Guwahati?
PTI reported that, according to their sources, Gill will be flying with the team to Guwahati, although given the stiffness in his neck, the chances of him playing the second Test look bleak. Just in case if the stylish batter cannot make it to Guwahati, he will travel to the BCCI COE in Bengaluru from Kolkata, as there are no restrictions on flying.