South Africa has suffered a setback as all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been ruled out of the remainder of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to a fractured right middle finger. The injury occurred during the first Test in Durban when Mulder was struck on his lower hand while batting. X-rays later confirmed the fracture. Mulder remained unbeaten on 9 runs as South Africa posted 191 in their first innings, with captain Temba Bavuma top-scoring with 70 off 117 balls.
To replace Mulder for the second Test, which will be held from December 5 to 9 at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, batter Matthew Breetzke has been called up. Breetzke, who made his Test debut against Bangladesh last month, has played one Test and eight T20Is for South Africa, scoring a half-century across both formats.
South Africa currently holds a strong position in the first Test, with Sri Lanka being dismissed for just 42 in their first innings. Marco Jansen starred with the ball, taking seven wickets. In reply, the Proteas have scored over 200 runs in their second innings, with half-centuries from Tristan Stubbs and Bavuma, leading by a commanding 363 runs.
Both teams are still in the hunt for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June. South Africa needs to win both Tests to keep their hopes alive, while Sri Lanka must secure at least one win in the series to strengthen their own chances.
South Africa Squad for the second Test: Temba Bavuma (Captain), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne.