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Best fielder and most catcher, in doubt |
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August 20, 2000
MELBOURNE (AP) - A freak injury and a hamstring strain could rob South Africa of two key players for Sunday's deciding limited-overs cricket match against Australia. Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher severed a tendon in his left index finger while preparing some food after Friday's tie against Australia at Colonial Stadium. Fieldsman Jonty Rhodes suffered a hamstring injury near the end of his top-score innings of 54 and is also in doubt. Boucher, who made 51 and shared in a crucial 87-run stand with Rhodes, saw a specialist Saturday afternoon and needed stitches for a damaged tendon. A team spokesman said his condition would be reassessed Sunday, but given the wound needed stitching Boucher could be not fit for the stresses of wicketkeeping. Opening batsman Gary Kirsten and captain Shaun Pollock could put on the gloves if needed. South Africa A vice-captain and wicketkeeper Nic Pothas will be sent from Barbados, where his team is touring, to Singapore for next week's international tournament. Captain Shaun Pollock also said Friday that Rhodes was "unlikely" to play on Sunday. Rhodes was in the 40s on Friday night when he pulled up awkwardly at the end of a run and needed a runner for the rest of his innings. Injury has plagued the three-match series, which stands at 1-0 in the home side's favor after it won the first game on Wednesday by 94 runs. Left-arm spinner Nicky Boje was ruled out of game one when he hurt a finger at Tuesday practice and showed Friday night why captain Shaun Pollock was so keen for him to return to the side. He took 2-33 from 10 overs and held up the Australians in the middle of their innings as they chased South Africa's 226-8. |