Australia's Hazlewood out of 1st South Africa Test

Injured pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood on Monday was ruled out of Australia's opening Test against South Africa in Brisbane this week, but skipper Pat Cummins "appears likely" to play.

Hazlewood, who has a side strain and missed the just-completed second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide, was the only omission in a 14-man squad.

But Cummins is set to return after also sitting out the 419-run win in Adelaide with a thigh problem.

That means either Scott Boland or Michael Neser will miss out despite both impressing in their returns to the Test arena against the Caribbean side.

Uncapped speedster Lance Morris remains in the 14-man squad as a wildcard option.

"Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match, although Josh will need more time," said chief selector George Bailey.

"With that in mind, we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match.

"Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott," he added.

"We were impressed as always with their performances that backed up what they have achieved in the past. Lance is a very exciting prospect who will benefit from time with the squad."

Australia head into the first of three Tests against the Proteas from Friday in red-hot form, having crushed the West Indies by 164 runs then 419 runs.

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner

[06:16, 12/12/2022] +27 82 898 4899: Serial runner-up Strydom wins at last on European Tour

Malelane, South Africa

GOLF

EPGA

RSA

South African Ockie Strydom put 19 second-place finishes in his career behind him on Sunday as he triumphed on the DP World Tour for the first time.

The 37-year-old carded a final round three-under 69 at Leopard Creek Country Club to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship with a total of 270.

Spaniard Adrian Otaegui birdied the final hole to come second after a closing 68 -- for a four round total of 272 -- on a course that borders the world renowned Kruger National Park game reserve.

Laurie Canter from England fired an eight-under 64, including an eagle and seven birdies, to come third, one stroke behind Otaegui.

In a break with the tradition of wearing long pants in European Tour events, competitors were permitted to don shorts to be more comfortable in the 33 degree Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) heat.

Strydom was one of many golfers who took advantage of the relaxation of the dress code, with shorts first permitted at the same tournament three years ago.

Strydom was overcome by his first major title, simply calling his success "nice. I am sure my wife and parents are at home crying. Special thanks to my caddie.

"I love Leopard Creek because I feel so calm in the bush. Congratulations to those who prepared this course, which was in magnificent condition all week."

Level with Scott Jamieson from Scotland beginning the final round, Strydom had a difficult front nine that ended with a double-bogey six that left him one over for the round.

But the South African then reeled off four birdies in five holes to take a three-stroke advantage before parring the remaining four holes.

Sensing he was about to end a run of second places, Strydom took no chances on the final hole and its island green.

He took an iron off the tee, laid his second shot short of the water, found the green in three and two putted for a victory, and a drenching as champagne was sprayed at him.

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