Wiaan Mulder has been ruled out of bowling and fielding for the remainder of the Durban Test against Sri Lanka after fracturing his right middle finger during South Africa's first innings. The decision regarding his participation with the bat will be made as the match progresses.
The injury occurred on the fifth ball Mulder faced, delivered by Lahiru Kumara in the 27th over. The ball nipped back sharply, causing Mulder's fingers to jam against the bat handle as he defended. He received on-field treatment during a prolonged over, continued briefly to face two more deliveries, and then retired hurt. Later, he returned after the fall of South Africa's ninth wicket to contribute a defiant unbeaten 9, including a six off Dhananjaya de Silva, before the innings ended.
An x-ray during the lunch interval confirmed the fracture. Ryan Rickelton has been substituted in the field for Mulder, whose absence disrupts South Africa's bowling combination of four seamers and one spinner. The team now relies on Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee as the pace attack, with Keshav Maharaj as the lone specialist spinner. Aiden Markram remains available to bowl off-spin if required.
While yet to be officially confirmed, Mulder's injury is likely to rule him out of the second Test in Gqeberha next week. With a 14-member squad, South Africa might consider Senuran Muthusamy or Dane Paterson as replacements, while Rickelton remains the spare batter in the lineup.