Pakistan cricket team’s bowling consultant, South African Vernon Philander is set to leave the Pakistan team midway through the on-going Test against Bangladesh after suspension of flight operations in South Africa amid the spread of new coronavirus variant, Omicron.
According to reports, Philander will leave Bangladesh for South Africa between Monday and Tuesday night.
It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistan team is currently playing a two-match Test series against Bangladesh and initially Vernon Philander was scheduled to leave Dhaka for Cape Town on December 1 after the first Test.
However, due to the suspension of flight operations in South Africa amid the spread of the new variant, he will be separated from the Pakistani squad today.
It may be recalled that in view of the spread of coronavirus variant, Omicron, Pakistan imposed travel bans on six African countries, including South Africa.
The United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria and the European Union have also imposed travel bans on African countries over the threat of a new Corona variant.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Liton Das digged in and helped the side to take the lead of 159 runs before lunch. Both teams are trying to win the first Test. Pakistan needs four wickets, while Bangladesh is trying to set a bigger total to defeat the visitors.
