Duminy doubtful starter for West Indies game

JP Duminy is a doubtful starter for South Africa's World Cup group game against West Indies after suffering a slight strain and will undergo a fitness test on the morning of the match to determine his availability. South Africa are already without Vernon Philander, who is four days into a 7-10 day recovery period after sustaining a hamstring strain. Should Duminy be ruled out, it will further affect the balance of their side.

This is Duminy's second injury concern this summer. He was ruled out of the ODI series against Australia last November with a knee niggle which also kept him out of the home Tests against West Indies. South Africa lost the series in Australia 1-4 and cited Duminy's absence as a key factor. Not only does Duminy prop up the middle order but he offers a bowling option as well. His off spin, which fulfills South Africa's fifth-bowler duties, may be handy on the SCG pitch and could be crucial in ensuring AB de Villiers does not commit another over-rate violation which would see him banned.

South Africa are deciding between Wayne Parnell or Kyle Abbott to replace Philander and may now need to look at a replacement batsman as well. They may be forced to bring in both Farhaan Behardien and Rilee Rossouw in the batting line-up, although AB de Villiers indicated it would be a choice between the two at his pre-match conference, which took place before news of Duminy's injury broke.