Matthew Breetzke Returns as Tony de Zorzi Ruled Out of England ODIs

South Africa have been dealt a blow in their ongoing ODI series against England, with batter Tony de Zorzi ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the first match at Headingley, Leeds. However, the team will not name a replacement, as Matthew Breetzke has recovered and is available for the second ODI.

De Zorzi suffered the injury while fielding on the boundary, making a diving stop to prevent a Jos Buttler shot from reaching the ropes. Though he successfully saved the boundary, he injured his left hamstring in the process. He left the field for treatment and did not return, with team management confirming he would only bat if absolutely required. South Africa went on to comfortably chase England’s modest total of 132 without needing his services.

De Zorzi had been playing in place of Breetzke, who was sidelined with a minor hamstring strain during the final ODI in Australia and missed the series opener in England. With Breetzke now fit, he is expected to return to the playing XI for the second ODI on Thursday, likely slotting back into the No. 4 position.

No official replacement has been named for de Zorzi, given that Breetzke was the designated reserve.

There is still no confirmation on the availability of star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who continues to recover from ankle inflammation. Rabada missed the Australian leg of the tour and did not feature in the first ODI in Leeds. South Africa called up Codi Yusuf—currently playing county cricket for Durham—as cover, indicating Rabada may not return until the T20I series.

Meanwhile, captain Temba Bavuma remains under workload management following a hamstring injury sustained during the World Test Championship final in June. Bavuma played in two of the three ODIs in Australia and also featured in the first ODI against England, but is expected to be rested for one of the remaining two matches.

South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0.