'Injured' Philander set to fly back home from England

South African pacer Vernon Philander, who is currently playing county cricket in England, is all set to fly back home and is expected to remain out of action for "two to three weeks" after suffering a groin injury during a County Championship match last weekend.

The 31-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Sussex in the four-day match with Kent at Hove, which also prevented him from bowling partly in the first innings and completely in the second.

Confirming the news, Sussex said Philander would now head back to South Africa for rehabilitation, thus ruling him out of their championship match against Nottinghamshire starting on Friday, as well as from the group stage of the Royal London Cup.

The club, however, added that Philander is expected to play in remaining four championship fixtures, beginning with Durham's visit on May 21, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Despite not appearing in an ODI match for South Africa since 2015, Philander was considered in the national squad for the Champions Trophy due to his ability to swing the new ball in English conditions.