Injury Woes for South Africa Ahead of Crucial ODI Against India

Injuries Strike South Africa's Squad

Visakhapatnam: South Africa's cricket team faces a setback as fast bowler Nandre Burger and batsman Tony de Zorzi will miss the third One-Day International (ODI) against India due to injuries.

With the series tied at 1-1, the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is gearing up for this crucial match.

Cricket South Africa released a statement indicating that Burger felt discomfort in his right hamstring while bowling in the second ODI, while de Zorzi experienced pain in the same area while batting and could not continue during the chase.

Both players underwent scans on Friday, which confirmed the severity of their injuries.

The team is already missing pacer Kagiso Rabada, who was sidelined due to a minor injury, further complicating their bowling options.

De Zorzi, who had a challenging outing in the second ODI in Raipur, will also be absent from the upcoming five-match T20 International (T20I) series against India starting December 9, as he returns home for treatment. No replacements have been announced for either player.

Despite his injury, De Zorzi had shown promise during the tour, scoring 39 runs in the first match and 17 runs off 11 balls before being forced to retire in Raipur. South Africa managed to tie the series, but his absence will be felt.

Additionally, fast bowler Kwena Maphaka has not progressed as hoped in his recovery from a left hamstring injury and will also miss the T20I series. He has been withdrawn from the squad.

In a move to bolster their lineup, South Africa has named Lutho Sipamla as Maphaka's replacement.