Nottingham: Desperate for a turnaround, South Africa has decided to drop out of form JP Duminy in the second Test on Friday at Trent Bridge as part of three changes from the loss at Lord's last week.
Back in the team after the birth of his child, captain Faf du Plessis expressed his concerns about Duminy’s form.
"Certainly not what we need from a No. 4 batsman," said du Plessis, effectively sending out a signal that it may well be the end of the road for Duminy in red ball cricket.
The Proteas did not say Thursday which player would replace Duminy, who has a highest score of 39 in his last eight Test innings.
Duanne Olivier will start in place of the suspended Kagiso Rabada.
The South Africans must decide whether to play six or seven batsmen.
The tourists kept their options open for further switches to the lineup, saying in a statement that "the Proteas are certain to make three changes for the match."
England captain Joe Root said his team will be unchanged from the one that won by 211 runs in the first test.