Tony de Zorcy ruled out of match against Australia due to hamstring injury as Rabada intensifies training
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Tony de Zorcy ruled out of match against Australia due to hamstring injury as Rabada intensifies training

Tony de Zorcy will be unable to participate in South Africa's first test match against Australia in Durban after sustaining a hamstring injury, which is another blow to the Proteas squad already suffering from fitness issues.

The 29-year-old batter sustained the injury during a one-day game in Potchefstroom on Wednesday while he was in the field. A scan conducted on Friday confirmed the extent of the strain, and Cricket South Africa decided not to call up an immediate replacement.

De Zorcy's issue has exacerbated the crisis of hamstring injuries in the team, as players such as Kwena Maphaka, Ottniel Bartman, and Lungie Ngidi are already on the sidelines. However, there are positive developments concerning the leader of the attacking bowling unit, Kagiso Rabada.

On Saturday, he posted photos from his training sessions in Durban on Instagram, confirming head coach Shukri Conrad's assurances that the player will feature in the series. The management will gain a clearer picture of Rabada's health during the two-day intra-squad match at Chatsworth Oval on Sunday and Monday, allowing them to adjust plans before the first test on October 9th at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead stadium.

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Joel Davies and Nathan Ellis ruled out of Australia's third ODI against South Africa due to injuries
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Joel Davies and Nathan Ellis ruled out of Australia's third ODI against South Africa due to injuries

The Australian team is facing additional issues due to injuries: fast bowler Nathan Ellis and left-arm spinner Joel Davies will be unable to participate in the final ODI against South Africa on Wednesday.

Ellis's injury occurred during the second ODI, which Australia lost by 32 runs. As for Davies, he sustained a right hamstring injury while playing as a reserve fielder in Johannesburg.

Furthermore, there is another issue for the Australian squad on tour: all-rounder Jack Edwards is under observation due to a hamstring problem, although he joined the squad in Port Elizabeth for the final ODI, according to cricket.com.au.

Right-handed number seven Billy Stanle has been battling a strain sustained during Australia's previous tour of Zimbabwe. Josh Inglis fractured a finger during the first ODI and returned home.

The latest injuries and concerns over Edwards leave Australians with likely only 12 players for the 'dead' match, as they are set to conclude their African baseball tour before the start of the Test series on October 9. No replacement has been announced for the final ODI.

Ellis established himself as Australia's best bowler in the African tour, and Edwards, who replaced Cameron Green, showed his first five-wicket haul in the second match.

Player returns and squad changes

Australians will now be counting on the return of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Cameron Green has not participated in the tour due to a shoulder issue. Matt Renshaw spoke about Green's problem after the second match, noting: 'He had some issues with it for a while, and unfortunately, he just can't bowl hard over the top when needed.' Renshaw added: 'He handles us well. When his shoulder is fine, he will be able to bowl.'

Moreover, Australia has also made changes to its A team traveling to India. Brendan Doggett, Fergus O'Neill, and Campbell Kellaway will return home for the Sheffield Shield matches, while Sam Harper, Jai Richardson, and Liam Thatcher played in the second unofficial match against India, which began on Tuesday.

Australians have also added Riley Meredith and Will Sutherland to their one-day squad, replacing Jack Edwards and Aaron Hardy.

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