Amla to sit out for third ODI against Lanka due to injury

Hashim Amla being assisted off the field following an injury during the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka on Tuesday in Colomba

South Africa’s hopes of staging a comeback into the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka took on blow on Tuesday after Hashim Amla was helped to walk off the ground following a seemingly serious injury.

The Proteas will have to play against Sri Lanka without the support of Amla, who has been quite consistent with his batting form and had formed a major part of South Africa’s batting backbone during the recently concluded Champions Trophy.

Fielding at fine leg, Amla sustained a grade one tear to his left groin muscle while pursuing a ball off Dinesh Chandimal‘s blade, and in his efforts to reel it in, leapt and fell hard on his left knee. The incident took place during the 46th over of the Sri Lankan innings, after which Amla didn’t return to field or bat. He also missed the first ODI with muscles spasms in his neck.

“Injuries of this nature usually take three to seven days to recover, but he will receive intensive treatment and rehab in the coming days to give him the best possible chance of being ready for the third or fourth ODI in Kandy this week,” Mohammed Moosaje, manager of the South African team said.

To add to their woes, the number one test ranked team, will also be battling the remainder of the series without their regular captain Graeme Smith, who is again off due to an injury while spearhead Dale Steyn will rest himself until he fully recovers from a side strain.

South Africa, who are currently two down in the five match series, will be facing the number one T20 International ranked team in Pallekele on Friday, and the fourth on Sunday at the same venue.