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South Africa middle-order batter Theunis de Bruyn will miss the third Test of the series against Australia to return home to be at the birth of his first child.
De Bruyn missed out on selection in the series opener at the Gabba but posted scores of 12 and 28 batting at first drop in the Boxing Day Test.
In the second innings, he became involved in a tense exchange with Australian quick Mitchell Starc, who threatened to Mankad him if the South African kept standing outside of his crease.
De Bruyn’s best effort of South Africa’s visit came in the tour match against the Cricket Australia XI when he scored 88.
He is likely to be replaced by Rassie van der Dussen, who batted at No.3 in the first Test, or back-up wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen.
The series finale begins in Sydney on Wednesday and is South Africa’s last chance to save face following a dismal first two Test matches.
South Africa’s batting order has come under particular scrutiny across the first two Tests, with 65 runs the highest individual score posted by a Protea so far this series.
© AAP