In what might come as a massive blow to South Africa’s T20 World Cup aspirations, star allrounder Donovan Ferreira has suffered a shoulder injury during the SA20, putting his availability for the upcoming marquee event in doubt, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo. South Africa play their first match against Canada on February 9, 20 days from now.
Ferreira, fielding at cover for the Joburg Super Kings against Pretoria Capitals on Saturday, January 17, dived to stop a four off the final delivery of the innings.
Ferreira landed on his left shoulder, permitting the ball to go for a boundary. Later, standing in as skipper because of Faf du Plessis’ thumb injury, he came out to bat but faced just one ball before struggling to extend his arm and retiring
hurt.
Ferreira told the post-match broadcast that he was not feeling well and planned to undergo a scan on Sunday, January 18. According to the report, he had sustained a fracture.
In the short term, the injury will sideline Ferreira for the remainder of the SA20. The Joburg Super Kings, still in contention for the playoffs, must defeat the Paarl Royals on Monday to bag qualification.
Ferreira’s injury could have implications for South Africa’s T20 World Cup team, where he was selected as a finisher, backup wicketkeeper and part-time bowler. The team might turn to Ryan Rickelton, who has two SA20 hundreds and keeps wickets but bats in the top order, or Tristan Stubbs, who is out of form and was left out.
Star batter Matthew Breetzke could come into consideration as well.
This is the latest setback for South Africa ahead of the ICC event. The team is awaiting fitness confirmation for Tony de Zorzi as well, who suffered a hamstring injury in December.
De Zorzi is expected to feature in the three T20Is against the Windies later this month. Meanwhile, the team continues to face criticism for leaving out Ottneil Baartman, the SA20’s leading wicket-taker, who missed out as there was no room in a team stacked with six pacers.
