High-flying South African team has been dealt a severe blow just before the must-win one-day international (ODI) game against India. With the series hanging in balance at 1-1, the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag is set to host the third ODI. However, the Proteas outfit won’t be having two in-form players in Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, as both have been ruled out of the game. De Zorzi has been out of the entire five-match T20I series as well.
Burger, De Zorzi out of Vizag ODI vs India
Nandre Burger caused some trouble for the Indian batters in the first two ODIs. In the opener in Ranchi, he was the one to get Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli and did the talking with the new ball too. In Raipur, he sent back Rohit Sharma, as the Indians found it a bit awkward to tackle his angle and height factor. However, he bowled just 6.1 overs before he couldn’t bowl anymore. he experienced right hamstring discomfort while bowling during the second ODI.
De Zorzi, meanwhile, looked solid in the entire India tour. He made 39 in the first match before getting retired hurt after 17 runs off 11 balls in Raipur. He was unable to continue despite South Africa recording their highest chase against India and levelling the series. The southpaw has now been ruled out of the upcoming T20I series as well, the rubber that starts from December 9 onwards.
The South African management waited for the scans to arrive for the decision. Ryan Rickelton and Ottneil Baartman, who got benched in Raipur, are expected to walk in the starting lineup in Vizag. The Proteas are already missing Kagiso Rabada. Meanwhile, talented youngster Kwena Maphaka, who was part of the T20I squad, has been ruled out as well. He was recovering from a left hamstring injury but hasn’t been able to recover on time. As a result, Lutho Sipamla has replaced him in the T20I squad that already has the likes of Anrich Nortje, Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen.
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