Burger ruled out of Ireland ODIs and Bangladesh Tests

A lumbar stress reaction has ruled Nandre Burger out of South Africa’s ongoing ODI series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi and the following two Tests in Bangladesh. 

Burger had picked one wicket in two ODIs in the preceding series against Afghanistan and was rested for the first ODI against Ireland which South Africa won by 139 runs. 

Burger "experienced discomfort in his lower back, and subsequent scans revealed the injury," CSA said in a statement on Friday (October 4) before the start of the second ODI. "He will return home and undergo further assessments,” the statement added regarding Burger.

CSA has not announced a replacement player for the third ODI but mentioned that they will announce one for the Bangladesh tour. Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder are the other fast-bowling options up South Africa’s sleeves for the two Tests. 

Tony de Zorzi also had to miss the second ODI due to a soft tissue injury in his right knee. However, he was taken out of the game as a precautionary measure. 

De Zorzi picked up the injury in the first ODI during a fielding effort at the ropes. He slid on the sand-based outfield and had to be taken off the field and didn’t make a return. He was later taken for scans a day later (October 3) which revealed the injury. 

South Africa may rest the left-handed batter in the third ODI as well so that he is available for the Test series in Bangladesh. 

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