JP Duminy ruled out of final two ODIs against India
South Afican all-rounder J P Duminy has been ruled out off the last ODI’s against India, after suffering laceration on his right hand, during the third game in Rajkot. Replacing Duminy in the line-up will Dean Elgar, who has been called up to the squad with immediate effect. Duminy will still travel with the team and attempt to retain full fitness, ahead of the test series, which is scheduled to begin on November 5.
The South African maestro has been in terrific form, especially with the bat through out the tour. Duminy’s 68 in the first T-20 game of the Paytm, saw the Proteas win an enthralling encounter. Since that opening match blitz, his form has dipped a bit, but he has contributed with the ball as well. Scores of 30, 15, 36 and 14 have failed to bolster the South African batting line-up.
In an official statement, the Cricket South Africa (CSA) stated, “Duminy will stay with the team and will need 2-3 week to recover from the injury. The team management aims to have him fit for the first Test in Mohali starting on November 5.”
Elgar, is more of a batsman, rather than an all-rounder. The part-time bowler, could bat higher than Duminy’s position of number 6 or 7. The left-handed batsman had last played for South Africa in 2012. He has scored 93 runs in ODI’s. However, he has hit a streak of good form recently, scoring two consecutive half centuries for domestic side, Titans. He has also been in good touch in ODI’s, after scoring 57 and 86 in his last two innings.
That being said, Elgar is South Africa’s regular Test Opener. The 28-year old can also come in handy with the ball, as he can bowl some left arm orthodox spin. This could work for South Africa, especially if they play one specialist spinner.
India have one major injury concern in Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been ruled out, due to a side strain. South Africa might have another injury worry in Morne Morkel, who complained of a sore quad, during the third ODI.