Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that South African fast bowler Luthu Sipamla has been withdrawn from the current T20I series in Namibia and Zimbabwe after sustaining a left hamstring injury.
All-rounder Andile Simelane was selected as Sipamla's replacement in the Proteas squad for the remainder of the tour. Simelane previously represented South Africa in 10 T20I matches.
Sipamla's injury occurred during the first match between South Africa and the host nation of Namibia. He managed to bowl only nine deliveries before being forced off the field due to evident discomfort.
Sipamla, who is 28 years old, could not participate in the second match between Proteas and Zimbabwe while medical staff assessed the extent of the muscle damage.
An official CSA statement indicated that Luthu Sipamla, a seamer from DP World Lions, has been excluded from the remaining part of the T20I Tri-series against Namibia and Zimbabwe due to a left hamstring injury. The 28-year-old athlete sustained the injury while bowling in the second over of the first match against Namibia on Friday.
CSA also reported that all-rounder Andile Simelane from Hollywoodbets Dolphins has been appointed as his replacement. Furthermore, seamer Tshepo Moreki from Western Province has been added to the South Africa A squad for the One Day International match against Bangladesh A.
Sipamla becomes the second South African player to be dropped from the tri-series; previously, batting all-rounder Jason Smith was excluded before the team traveled to Namibia due to a groin injury. At that time, the selection committee did not appoint a replacement for Smith.
This injury exacerbates growing fitness concerns for South Africa ahead of a demanding international schedule.
Additionally, premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has also been ruled out of Test and One Day matches against Australia as he continues to recover from a right hamstring injury sustained during winter preparation training. Two round-robin matches are still scheduled in the tri-series, with a third match possible if they qualify for the final.
Following the conclusion of the T20I tri-series, there will be a three-match ODI series against Namibia. Proteas will host Australia for the white and red ball series, and then travel for a full tour of Bangladesh. A home tournament against England, including Tests and ODIs, is planned before the next SA20 league season.
