Duanne Olivier ruled out of South Africa test series with England after suffering a hip injury

South Africa have been dealt a blow ahead of their Test series with England after fast bowler Duanne Olivier was ruled out through injury.

The 30-year-old sustained a hip injury during the four-day tour match against England Lions in Canterbury this week and it is serious enough for the paceman to be sent home.

“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,” said Proteas team doctor Dr Hashendra Ramjee.

The 30-year-old fast bowler suffered a hip injury against England Lions this week

“After clinical assessment, he was referred for an MRI scan which revealed a grade 2 tear involving the right pectineus muscle.

“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.”

South Africa have not named a replacement for Olivier.

England Lions secured a compelling victory over the Proteas at Canterbury

England Lions cruised to victory over South Africa in the practice match earlier this week.

The Lions produced an excellent performance at Canterbury, winning by an innings and 56 runs in a game that was not first-class as the Proteas opted to give more than 11 players a run out ahead of next week’s test.

However, the home side’s victory was marred after Somerset’s Craig Overton was forced from the field suffering with a back injury.