Ankle injury rules Wiaan Mulder out of remainder of Zimbabwe series

Mulder sustained the injury at practice on Tuesday and has been withdrawn for further assessment.

“Wiaan felt some pain and discomfort in his left ankle at practice and has been withdrawn from the remainder of the ODI series,” Proteas team manager, Dr Mohammed Moosajee said. “He will be assessed by an ankle and foot specialist in Johannesburg, who will be able to further assess the injury and give us a way forward in terms of the treatment and rehab strategy. The selectors will not name a replacement for the last ODI.”

The right-arm seamer and right-hand batsman made a key contribution in South Africa’s victory in the first ODI, taking the key wicket of Criag Ervine and scoring 14* to see his side to a five-wicket win.

Though he is yet to fully make his mark on the international stage – he has a high score of 19 and best figures of 2/59 from his seven ODIs so far – aged just 20 years old, it is hoped he will become a mainstay of the South African side for years to come.

He was replaced in the XI for the second ODI by batsman Khaya Zondo.