Nandre Burger ruled out of Ireland ODIs and Bangladesh Tests due to back injury

South Africa will be without their left-arm pacer Nandre Burger for the remainder of the ongoing ODI series against Ireland as well as the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

The fast bowler has been sidelined with a back injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the news on Friday (October 4), stating that Nandre Burger experienced discomfort in his lower back. Later, scans revealed that the bowler had a lumbar stress reaction.

Burger will now return home and undergo further assessment. CSA also stated that they will name the bowler's replacement in due course. The 29-year-old last played for the Proteas on September 20 during the second ODI against Afghanistan.

He was then benched for both the T20Is against Ireland. Burger missed the first ODI as well earlier this week. South Africa will be playing two more ODIs against Ireland before touring Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, starting on October 21.

"Proteas Men’s fast bowler Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland and the upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh due to a lumbar stress reaction.

The 29-year-old experienced discomfort in his lower back, and subsequent scans revealed the injury. He will return home and undergo further assessments. His replacement for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh will be announced in due course," stated CSA in a press release.

Proteas Men’s fast bowler Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series against Ireland and the upcoming Test tour of Bangladesh due to a lumbar stress reaction.

The 29-year-old experienced discomfort in his lower back, and… pic.twitter.com/KWRmNE8l7v

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 4, 2024

If it is just a stress reaction, Burger is likely to recover in about 4-6 weeks after undergoing a rehabilitation programme. However, if the injury is serious, he could be sidelined for months. Not very long ago, Burger's South Africa teammate Anrich Nortje remained on the sidelines for nearly six months due to a stress fracture.

A promising start for Nandre Burger:

Burger has made a promising start to his international career. He made his debut for South Africa in all three formats during the home series against India that started in December last year and ended in January.

Burger has played 3 Tests so far and has picked up an impressive 14 wickets. He has also played 5 ODIs and 2 T20Is so far. Earlier this year, the pacer made his debut in the IPL as well, plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals. He played 6 games for the Royals and picked up 7 wickets.