Steven Finn replaced by Liam Plunkett for rest of South Africa tour

By Jefferson Lake

Image: Steven Finn will miss the remainder of England's tour of South Africa

Liam Plunkett has replaced Steven Finn in the England squad for the remainder of the tour of South Africa.

Finn will miss the fourth and final Test at Centurion next week, and all of the limited-overs internationals which follow it after picking up a side strain.

Image: Liam Plunkett replaces Finn for the rest of England's tour of South Africa

An ECB statement confirmed Finn, who is expected to be fit for the ICC World T20 in March, will stay in South Africa for a week to begin his rehabilitation before returning to the UK at the end of the Test series.

Yorkshire bowler Plunkett will replace Finn in both squads. Plunkett is currently in the UAE with the England Lions and will travel to South Africa at the weekend, after the first two 50-over games against Pakistan A. 

Plunkett impressed in the T20s against Pakistan and was unfortunate to lose his spot.

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The Verdict panel believe England should pick left-armer Mark Footitt in place of the injured Steve Finn for the fourth Test against South Africa.

"I was disappointed not to be in the squad in the first place, but I came back here with the Lions determined to play to my best and show I'm still ready if they need me," he said.

"Obviously I'd seen Finny was injured so I did wonder, and I got the call from national selector James Whitaker earlier.

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"From the end of last season I've pretty much been bowling all the time, and I just had a few weeks off in December.

"I've enjoyed my brief time with the Lions and hopefully I can play a part in getting this series off to a good start before going to South Africa."

Watch England skittle out South Africa for just 83 runs

Meanwhile, uncapped opener Stephen Cook has been added to South Africa's squad for the fourth Test against England.

Cook, 33, scored an unbeaten 53 playing for South Africa A in a warm-up match with England, which the tourists won by an innings.

He appears likely to replace Stiaan van Zyl at the top of the South Africa batting order, although Van Zyl has been retained in a 17-strong squad which also includes Dale Steyn.

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