Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series with South Africa in a hammer blow to England ’s chances.
England’s record wicket-taker, who claimed seven more at Newlands in the second Test victory, underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday after struggling through the fifth day in Cape Town.
He has been diagnosed with a left rib injury and will now fly home in the next few days. Somerset seamer Craig Overton will remain in South Africa as cover.
The 37-year-old, who only just returned from a five-month lay-off with a calf problem, was visibly labouring as the game reached its dramatic conclusion on Tuesday evening.
He spent time off the field in the middle session and managed just two overs after tea.
South Africa vs England – in picturesShow all 67 1 /67South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
REUTERS
South Africa vs England – in pictures
AP
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
AP
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures Third T20I
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
REUTERS
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
AP
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
REUTERS
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
Reuters
South Africa vs England – in pictures First T20I
REUTERS
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
REUTERS
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
REUTERS
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, fourth Test
AP
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 5
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 2
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 2 Stuart Broad celebrates taking the wicket of South Africa's Zubayr Hamza on day two of the second Test
Reuters
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 1
Getty
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 1 Anrich Nortje of South Africa celebrates getting the wicket of England captain Joe Root
Getty
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 1 England's Joe Denly watches the ball after playing a shot
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, second Test - day 1 England's Stuart Broad is bowled by South Africa's Kagiso Rabada
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 4
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 4
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 4
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 4
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 4
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 3
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 3
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 3
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 3
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 3
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 3
Getty
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 2
AFP via Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 2
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
South Africa vs England – in pictures South Africa vs England, first Test - day 1
Getty Images
He grimaced through those, although he remained involved and took a key catch at leg-slip to dismiss Rassie Van Der Dussen.
Opener Rory Burns is already a casualty of the tour after injuring his left ankle playing football on the eve of the game and has now been ruled out for four months.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies