Anrich Nortje, a key player for South Africa, has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to a back injury. Nortje, who has been out of action since the T20 World Cup last June, was expected to make a comeback for the white-ball series against Pakistan but suffered a toe injury in the nets. This setback has also forced him to miss out on playing for his franchise, Pretoria Capitals, and the South African T20 tournament.
Gerald Coetzee is likely to replace Nortje in the squad after recovering from a groin injury he sustained last November. South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter, had initially chosen Nortje over Coetzee for his experience and fitness, but scans revealed that Nortje will not be fit in time for the upcoming tournament.
This is not the first time Nortje has missed out on an ICC event due to injury, as he was also sidelined for the 2019 World Cup and the 2023 World Cup. Despite his consistent presence in T20 World Cups, Nortje has opted out of a national contract to manage his workload and focus on shorter formats.
South Africa has faced a series of fast bowling injuries this summer, with Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, and Wiaan Mulder returning to play while Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams are out for the season. Nortje’s absence will be a significant blow to the team as they prepare for the Champions Trophy.
Follow Franchise Cricket for more SA20 news.
