Injury forces South African all-rounder to exit Sri Lanka series

South Africa has suffered a major setback as all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Sri Lanka due to injury. Mulder fractured his right middle finger during the first innings of the opening Test at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

While batting on the second day, Mulder was struck on the lower part of his hand. X-rays later confirmed the fracture, forcing him to leave the field. He had remained unbeaten on 9 runs in South Africa’s total of 191.

To replace Mulder for the second Test match, which will take place from 5 to 9 December at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, South Africa has called up batter Matthew Breetzke. Breetzke made his Test debut against Bangladesh last month.

Despite Mulder's injury, South Africa are in a strong position in the first Test. Sri Lanka’s batting has been disappointing, as they were dismissed for just 42 in their first innings. Marco Jansen was the star of the day, taking seven wickets to help bowl Sri Lanka out.

With the support of a solid partnership between Stubbs and Temba Bavuma, South Africa now leads by 446 runs and looks set to take control of the match.

Both teams are still competing for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June. South Africa needs to win both Tests at home to keep their chances alive, while Sri Lanka must win at least one match to stay in the race for the WTC Final at Lord’s.