KP's absence from NZ tour is unfortunate, says Proteas captain Dean Elgar

Johannesburg – Dean Elgar has described Keegan Petersen’s absence from the Proteas tour to New Zealand as “unfortunate”.

The 28 year old right hander was ruled out of the two match Test series against the World Test Champions after contracting Covid-19. According to a statement by Cricket SA, Petersen is "well and asymptomatic," and will be assisted by the federation’s medical team to ensure his medical and mental well-being.

Petersen's place in the squad will be taken by Western Province's Zubayr Hamza.

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“It's just another curve ball that the Proteas have to deal with - we’ve become pretty good at dealing with curve balls of late,” Elgar said on Wednesday. “It’s unfortunate that KP’s going to miss out on this trip. I was excited to see what he would do to build on what he did in the India series.”

Petersen was one of the stars of that unexpected Test series triumph against a powerful Indian side. His absence will be a significant blow to the Proteas for the series against the Black Caps that starts on February 17 in Christchurch. Petersen was named Man of the Series against India, topping the run-scoring charts with an aggregate of 276 runs, and making three fifties against a high class attack, in tough conditions.

Elgar said that Sarel Erwee was the favourite to fill in for Petersen but didn’t dismiss Hamza’s chances. “We have Sarel Erwee, who’s been our backup batter, he’s been brilliant for us off the field. I’d like to think that he could come in,” the Proteas skipper remarked.

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The 32 year old Erwee has been a mainstay for the KZN Dolphins