Parnell unlikely to bowl in Port Elizabeth Test

Wayne Parnell is unlikely to bowl for the rest of the second Test after straining his groin. Parnell left the field on the third morning after delivering 8.3 overs and was immediately taken to hospital for scans. The scans showed no tear but the strain was significant enough to rule him out of action for the next five-seven days.

Morne Morkel said although South Africa's bowlers would have a greater workload in the second innings in Parnell's absence, they would be willing to "put in any extra effort that's needed."

Parnell was spotted walking around the field after the day's play with a member of South Africa's team management. He took his steps gingerly and made slow progress, a sign running will not come too easy for him.

Although Parnell will probably not be able to bowl again in the Test, he will bat if needed. His status for the Newlands Test is still uncertain, given his troubled history with groin strains. In 2010, he had picked up a strain during the IPL, which forced him out of the tournament and kept him out of the game for months, while also stunting his progress at the international level.

He yo-yoed in and out of South Africa's limited-overs sides after debuting in 2009 but had to wait four years and three days for a Test recall. Parnell played three Tests for South Africa in 2010 and was left out of the side until this Test, in which he replaced Ryan McLaren, who was suffering from concussion.

Parnell's progression was on show from the first ball he bowled in the Test, when he dismissed Alex Doolan. Parnell had another wicket in that over and bowled consistently at speeds in the upper 140kph.