TESTING THE WATERS

INJURIES: PROTEAS ARE CONFIDENT THEY HAVE SUITABLE REPLACEMENTS

- Wesley Botton

While they are missing a handful of seam bowlers due to injuries, Proteas assistant coach Piet Botha is eager to test the squad's depth when they face Sri Lanka in the second of two Tests in Gqeberha starting tomorrow.

Already without Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, who were unavailable for selection, the SA team lost all-rounder Wiaan Mulder (broken finger) and Gerald Coetzee (groin muscle strain) after they picked up injuries during the Proteas' 233-run victory in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban last week.

"It's obviously very sad for the guys who are missing out but injuries are part of the game, so we generally prepare for those things," said Botha, the squad's bowling coach.