NEW DELHI: The defending World Test Champions have carried their golden run into this series after pulling off a brilliant win against India in Kolkata a few days ago. Now as the visitors target a rare whitewash on Indian soil their build up to the second Test has been shaken by a serious injury scare involving two of their biggest match winners from the opening clash.

Key match winners under injury cloud

According to a report from News18 both Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen have picked up fitness concerns and were sent for medical examinations in Kolkata. The timing of the setback has caused clear worry in the South Africa camp with the second Test in Guwahati only days away.

Player of the Match Simon Harmer is reportedly struggling with a shoulder problem. The off spinner played a decisive role in Kolkata and any limitation to his workload will heavily affect the balance of the side. Alongside him left arm quick Marco Jansen is also believed to be dealing with a niggle and has undergone tests to assess the extent of the issue.

Both players visited Woodlands Hospital in Kolkata the same medical facility that treated Shubman Gill during the previous Test. South Africa who need only a draw in Guwahati to clinch the series will wait anxiously for clearance on the bowling pair.

Their absence would force major changes to the attack and could hand India a lifeline after a bruising defeat in the first match.

In Kolkata South Africa’s victory was built on two defining bowling efforts across the Test. Marco Jansen broke open India’s innings removing key members of the top order and giving the visitors a crucial lead on a turning surface.

Simon Harmer then produced an outstanding eight wicket match haul, using sharp drift and bounce to run through India in both innings and complete a memorable 30 run win.