Vernon Philander's recovery right on track

South Africa all-rounder Vernon Philander is on track with his rehabilitation after suffering a groin injury during a County Championship match last week.

The 31-year-old was forced to fly back home after sustaining an 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 not at all in the second.

Philander is expected to remain out of action for two to three weeks.

Giving an update on Philander's rehabilitation, Sussex said that the all-rounder has been progressing well and that he is on course to return to his county to complete the remainder of his contract.

He is due to return to Sussex in time for the remaining four matches of County Championship, beginning with Durham's visit on May 21.

"We are pleased with the news that Vernon is on course to re-join us for the re-commencement of the Championship," Sport24 quoted Sussex's Director of Cricket Keith Greenfield, as saying.

"Despite the disappointing start in the four-day campaign, we are actively working to bolster the ranks with a replacement for him in the Royal London One-Day Cup, and we hope to be able to confirm shortly," he added.

Philander was not selected in the Proteas squad for the ODI series against England while he also missed out on place in the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy starting in June.

The all-rounder, however, is expecting to be available for the four-match Test series against England, beginning July 6 at Lord's.