South African opening bowler Shaun Pollock will miss the first Test against the West Indies in Guyana due to his injured left ankle.
Team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar confirmed on Monday that Pollock will not travel to the Caribbean with the squad on Wednesday and will remain in Durban to undergo treatment and a strict rehabilitation programme.
”Shaun has a chronic deep tendonitis injury caused by overuse, and is taking a little bit longer to respond to treatment, which is not uncommon with these types of injuries.
”He will be monitored on a constant basis and should he show sufficient improvement and be able to bowl symptom-free, a decision on when he will join the tour will be taken at that time,” said Jabaar.
No replacement will be named at this stage.
Charl Langeveldt (lower left back) and Andre Nel (left hamstring) have passed fitness tests, while Jacques Kallis (right hip) is, according to Jabaar, 80% fit and will undergo a bowling fitness test before the first Test match.
The squad leaves for Antigua on Wednesday evening. The first Test begins in Georgetown, Guyana, on March 31. — Sapa