James Anderson has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series with South Africa in a hammer blow to England’s chances.
England’s record wicket-taker, who claimed seven more at Newlands in the second Test victory, underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday after struggling through the fifth day in Cape Town.
He has been diagnosed with a left rib injury and will now fly home in the next few days. Somerset seamer Craig Overton will remain in South Africa as cover.
The 37-year-old, who only just returned from a five-month lay-off with a calf problem, was visibly labouring as the game reached its dramatic conclusion on Tuesday evening.
He spent time off the field in the middle session and managed just two overs after tea.
He grimaced through those, although he remained involved and took a key catch at leg-slip to dismiss Rassie Van Der Dussen.
Opener Rory Burns is already a casualty of the tour after injuring his left ankle playing football on the eve of the game and has now been ruled out for four months.
