South Africa’s pace-bowling attack has been dealt a blow, with Vernon Philander ruled out of the rest of the India tour and “doubtful” for the first Test in the home series against England.

The 30-year-old seamer was injured in a warm-up football match ahead of the Second Test at Bengaluru, and is likely to miss “at least six to eight weeks” after scans.

AB de Villiers, the world’s best batsman according to the ICC Rankings, said “Vernon stepped on Dean Elgar’s foot by accident in our warm-up; it was a very freakish accident, to be honest. He is very unlucky.”

His replacement on South Africa’s India tour is, perhaps ironically, Kyle Abbott, whose omission from the Cricket World Cup semi-final side against New Zealand in favour of Philander was subject to much scrutiny and criticism; some cynics suggested it was on account of the Proteas’ supposed racial quota.

Philander Doubtful for England Test

“The first Test match against England is six weeks away so it will be a tight schedule to get him ready and rehabilitated to make that Test match,” said South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

“Once he has been assessed back home in Cape Town and a proper programme for physio and rehabilitation has been put into place we will have a clearer understanding.”

JP Duminy’s return to fitness mean that South Africa’s side for Bengaluru will have more balance than it did in Mohali; he will slot in at number six, with Dane Vilas at seven. Morne Morkel will fill in for the injured Dale Steyn and either Abbott or Harmer will share the change bowlers’ roles with Imran Tahir.

England’s Test series in South Africa begins with the traditional Boxing Day Test at Durban, and the second game of the series is at Cape Town on 2nd January; it seems implausible that Philander will play in both games.