Staff Reporter.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
Raynard van Tonder has been released from the Proteas test squad due to a fractured finger on his left hand. The injury took place during the team’s practice session on Friday.
He will return to his franchise for rehabilitation and no replacement will be named for the second and final Betway test match against Sri Lanka beginning on Sunday.
South Africa is 1-0 up in the two-match series.
Meanwhile South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has pulled out of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) as he seeks some time away from the sport.
Steyn was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) ahead of the 2020 edition, which took place in the United Arab Emirates following the Covid-19 surge in India.
“Just a short message to let everyone know that I’ve made myself unavailable for RCB at this year’s IPL,” the 37-year-old wrote on Twitter.
“I’m also not planning on playing for another team, just taking some time off during that period. Thank you to RCB for understanding.”
Steyn, who quit tests in 2019 to prolong his limited overs career, said he was not retiring and that he still hopes to compete in other leagues.
“I will be playing in other leagues, nicely spaced out to give myself an opportunity to do some things I’ve been excited about as well as continue to play the game I love so much. NO, I’m NOT retired,” he added.
Steyn had an underwhelming 2020 IPL season, registering just one wicket in three matches as Bangalore finished fourth in the table before being eliminated by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the playoffs.
Elsewhere Former Proteas star Herschelle Gibbs has been unveiled as the new head coach of the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The news was confirmed by the franchise in a post on its social media platforms on Saturday.
“He changed the way the game was played with his aggression & passion and taking it into his coaching as well. A great believer in the strength of teamwork & discipline,” the post read.
Gibbs, now 46, is becoming increasingly more involved in coaching.