South Africa’s premier Test match spinner Paul Harris will miss the second Test against Bangladesh and the inaugural Champions League after breaking a thumb.

Harris injured his left thumb in practice before the first Test at Bloemfontein began but because it happened after the toss when the teams were announced, Harris was not allowed to be swapped for another player.

Despite the break (at the base of the thumb) being on his bowling hand he still bowled seven overs in Bangladesh’s first innings, taking one wicket.

Harris flew to Cape Town on Friday morning to consult a specialist on the injury but the news did not seem to be as bad as might have been feared.
 
“He doesn't need surgery, but he will have to wear a cast,” the South Africa team media manager Michael Owen-Smith was quoted as saying by SuperSport, adding that Harris was likely to be out of action for three to four weeks.

“He obviously won't play in the second test, and he won't be able to play for the Titans in the Champions League,” Owen-Smith added.

The spokesman added that it was unlikely anyone would be called up to join the squad for the second test against Bangladesh at Centurion on Sunday, though fast bowlers Monde Zondeki and Andre Nel have been mentioned if they opted to pick an all-pace attack.