South Africa’s Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury and becomes the latest setback to the fast bowler. Although Anrich Nortje was included in South Africa’s squad earlier this week, team officials revealed 48 hours later that he will not be fit on time to play the tournament’s opening match against Afghanistan on February 21, which also includes England and Australia in the same group.
Who Will Replace Anrich Nortje?
The replacement for Anrich Nortje will be confirmed at a later date. Options for his replacement could be seamer Gerald Coetzee, who recently recovered from a groin strain, or 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who could also be considered for the role.
Anrich Nortje has had difficulty with recurring injury concerns in the past as well. His last test match was in March 2023 and his last one-day international was in September 2023. Anrich Nortje did play for South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 though, as the Proteas lost to India in the final of the tournament.
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Atharva Shetye