South African pacer Ottneil Baartman is ruled out of the third Test against Pakistan after suffering right knee discomfort during bowling sessions. This adds to the list of growing setbacks in the Proteas camp as Keshav Maharaj was the latest to be ruled out of the ongoing ODI series.
Baartman, who played the first ODI against Pakistan before being dropped in the second underwent scans after bowling seven overs and returning with figures of 2 for 37. He suffered a right knee discomfort ahead of the second T20I and was left out of the playing XI at the Newlands Cricket Ground.
Baartman is the second player after Maharaj to get injured in the ensuing ODI series. His setback also constitutes six regular South African pacers sidelined due to injury. The list includes Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee, and Lizaad Williams. Baartman’s next assignment is with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, starting next month, and it will be seen if he would be available to participate in the competition.
South Africa have already lost the ongoing ODI series at home after suffering a thumping defeat with a margin of 81 runs. However, they’ll be gearing up to salvage their pride after reeling behind 2-0 in the ensuing series. The third ODI will be staged at the Wanderers and the Proteas will donn the pink jersey for the particular game.
