Dane Paterson to replace injured Morne Morkel in South Africa squad

Dane Paterson has been called up to replace Morne Morkel in South Africa’s squad for the second Test against Bangladesh. Cricket South Africa made the announcement on Monday, shortly after the home side completed a convincing 333-run win in the first Test at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

Chasing a steep 424-run target, Bangladesh was bowled out within an hour and a half on the fifth day, falling for 90 all out, after having begun the day on 49 for 3. Morkel, who had triggered the slide on Sunday evening with the key wickets of Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque for ducks, did not take the field on Monday, having incurred what was thought to be a side strain.

Scans later revealed that Morkel has a Grade two tear to his left abdominal oblique muscle, and will be out for a minimum of four weeks.

“Morne complained of a sharp pain to his left side yesterday and immediately aborted his bowling spell,” explained Dr Mohammad Moosajee, the South African team manager. “Subsequent scans this morning confirmed a Grade two tear to the left abdominal oblique muscle which rules him out of the remainder of the series. He will need a 4-6 week recovery period and will target a return for the T20 Global League in November.”

Paterson, a right-arm pacer, has not yet played Test cricket but has represented South Africa in Twenty20 Internationals, making his debut in January 2017. He has five wickets in four T20Is so far. He has also played 85 first-class games with 285 wickets at an average of 23.24.

The second Test starts on Friday, at the Mangaung Oval, in Bloemfontein.