Injured Philander to return home

Vernon Philander, the South African allrounder, will return home after a hamstring strain ruled him out of the ongoing five-match ODI series against Pakistan.

Philander, 22, had suffered his injury at a practice session prior to the start of the one-day series, and missed out on South Africa's tour game against a Pakistan Cricket Board XI held on Tuesday. A medical team said yesterday that he would need two weeks to recuperate.

Meanwhile, a replacement has not been sought by the team management. "The management feel that they can get by with the 13 players they have here," said Logan Naidoo, the team manager.

South Africa lead the series 1-0 after winning the first ODI in Lahore by 45 runs.