Kyle Verreynne insists David Bedingham’s absence from South Africa’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series in India is due to injury.

It contradicts Proteas coach Shukri Conrad’s explanation that the decision was based on conditions.

Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za, Verreynne said Bedingham is sidelined with a serious hamstring tear.

“David is a very good friend of mine and one of our best batters over the past two seasons,” said Verreynne. “Unfortunately, he’s got a grade three hamstring tear and would’ve been out for eight weeks anyway.

“I don’t know why CSA haven’t made a statement yet on his injury. Once we get games in South Africa, it’s a no-brainer he’ll be back in the squad and starting XI. He’s a quality player and has many years left to contribute in the Test side.”

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However, Conrad made no mention of an injury when explaining Bedingham’s omission, instead saying it was a tactical call based on subcontinent conditions.

“The guys that did duty in Pakistan have shown what they’re capable of,” Conrad told reporters. “The reason why they got selected ahead of David was because I feel that in these conditions they’ll be more effective. It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for David – he was one of our star performers at Lord’s.”

Conrad added that selection for the India tour was “horses for courses”.

“You’ve got to take the emotion out of it and look at the raw facts – who’s best equipped for these surfaces and this opposition. When we play back home again, I’m sure David will be in that lineup.”

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