Proteas speedster ruled out with injury ahead of 1st England Test

The Proteas have been dealt a blow by losing seamer Duanne Olivier to injury ahead of he first Test against England on Wednesday.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Sunday that Olivier, who played in this week's loss to the England Lions side in a warm-up fixture, had suffered a grade 2 right hip flexor muscle tear.

He will miss the entire three-match series and will return to South Africa. The Proteas will not be calling up a replacement. 

"Duanne presented with significant discomfort involving his right hip flexor muscle at the close of play on day three of the four-day tour match. After clinical assessment, he was referred for an MRI scan which revealed a grade 2 tear involving the right pectineus muscle," Proteas doctor Hashendra Ramjee explained. 

"Due to the extent of the injury, he has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against England and will return home where he will commence his rehabilitation with the Gauteng Central Lions medical team."

There is also concern, meanwhile, over the fitness of spearhead Kagiso Rabada who has been battling an ankle injury. 

The first Test takes place at Lord's.

Proteas Test squad:

Dean Elgar (captain), Sarel Erwee, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Khaya Zondo, Glenton Stuurman