South Africa paceman Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the opening two Tests against England due to an ankle injury.
Team officials confirmed the news shortly after arriving home to South Africa following their 3-0 hiding in the Test series against India.
Philander suffered the injury in a warm-up game of soccer before the second Test in Bangalore last month, going over on his left ankle and tearing ligaments.
South Africa remain hopeful fast bowler Dale Steyn will be fit for the first Test against England in Durban, starting on Boxing Day.
Steyn suffered a groin strain midway through the second Test in India and did not bowl again in the series.
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"We're all optimistic the bowlers will get their confidence back and the batters will do the job against England," said captain Hashim Amla.
South Africa meet England in a four-test series.
