Morne Morkel, Tsotsobe doubtful for first ODI vs Sri Lanka

Morne Morkel

South Africa new coach Russell Domingo’s first job at Sri Lanka has become hard following Morkel and Tsotsobe’s injuries.

Morne Morkel bowled only three overs in the warm-up match against Sri Lanka Board President XI and left the field due to quadricep injury, which kept him out of Champions Trophy. The team management has to have an eye on Morkel’s progress to determine his availability for the first ODI against Sri Lanka.

Also, Tsotsobe’s injury seems to be critical as he did not play the warm-up match against Sri Lanka’s Board President XI. CSA officials also confirmed that he was suffering from ankle impingement syndrome for which he’s been receiving treatment in South Africa.

Tsotsobe did not pass the fitness test conducted in South Africa, but was selected for the Sri Lanka tour. He was also struggling in the Champions Trophy despite playing in all the matches. He did not complete his full quota against West Indies and in the semi-final against England.

Geoffrey Toyana, Tsotsobe’s franchise coach, however confirmed that Tsotsobe was in good shape before the tour. Geoffrey said that he was training in Johannesburg, but, he did not have any communication with him thereafter.

If Tsotsobe is not fit, South Africa will have to choose either Chris Morris or Ryan McLaren. As Chris Morris can’t be effective on slow pitches, Ryan McLaren could be the best choice.