Paul Harris: broke his thumb on the first morning of the match © Getty Images Enlarge

Paul Harris, South Africa's left-arm spinner, has flown to Cape Town to see a specialist about his fractured left thumb and won't take any further part in the first Test against Bangladesh.

He left Bloemfontein on the third morning and will be out of action for around three weeks after having his thumb put in a cast. Harris picked up the injury before the match started on Wednesday, but because the toss had already taken place South Africa couldn't change their team.

He didn't bat in South Africa's first innings, which was declared at nine down, but took the field wearing a protective plastic guard on his thumb. He claimed a wicket in his second over during a short spell before tea on the second day, and in all he bowled seven overs in Bangladesh's first innings, but it was decided not to risk any further damage.

Harris has been ruled out of the Champions League in India, where he was set to take part for the Titans, but is expected to be fit for the tour of Australia next month.

If South Africa look for another spin option for the second Test against Bangladesh, at Centurion Park, fellow left-armer, Robin Peterson, would be the most likely choice after being in the squad for tours of India and England this year. But given Bangladesh's problems against pace, the home side could be tempted to field an all-seam attack which would open the door for Monde Zondeki or Andre Nel.