Duminy ruled out of Australia tour
JP Duminy will miss the rest of South Africa’s tour of Australia and could be out for up to six months having ruptured an Achilles tendon after the first day’s play of the Test series.
The 28-year-old batting all-rounder, who was the Proteas’ main spin option in this game, was taking part in warm-down exercises on the Gabba outfield in Brisbane when he fell to the turf clutching his left leg. He was rushed to hospital where the severity of the injury was confirmed.
JP Duminy, pictured here during South Africa's national anthem today, ruptured his left Achilles tendon after play on day one of the Test series
South Africa team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said: "At first assessment JP said he heard a loud clicking sound and it felt like he had been hit by an object.
“The diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture was confirmed by the MRI scan this evening and he will undergo surgery to re-attach the tendon on Saturday morning.
“Injuries of this nature are caused by a sudden contraction against the direction of movement by the calf muscle as was the case during his sprint.
“We will only be able to gauge further down the line on an expected recovery date, but injuries of this nature have been known to take up to six months before the player can resume playing cricket.
"He is obviously disappointed, but JP, being JP, is trying his best to stay positive, he says everything happens for a reason."
Duminy, who was due to bat at number seven, had not taken part in the game as South Africa closed on a commanding 255 for two after winning the toss. Their 12th man Francois du Plessis will field in Duminy’s place at Brisbane but will not be able to bat.
The three-Test rubber will end by December 4, after which the Proteas will host New Zealand and Pakistan during the rest of the southern hemisphere summer.
