South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has unfortunately been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India due to a back injury. Nortje, who was a part of South Africa’s 15-member squad, left the field after bowling just five overs in the second ODI against Australia. Although he didn’t bowl in the remainder of the match, he did return to the crease and scored 10 runs off 13 balls in the second innings.
As a precautionary measure, the Proteas coaching staff have decided to rest Nortje for the remainder of the series in order to avoid further aggravation of his injury. The team didn’t want to risk his fitness ahead of the highly anticipated World Cup next month.
South Africa’s squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 includes talented players such as Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Rassie van der Dussen.
Nortje, an experienced campaigner in the South African team, has previously toured India and displayed his skills. With 22 ODI appearances for the Proteas, he has taken 36 wickets at an average of 27.27 and an economy rate of 5.85.
It’s a setback for Nortje and the South African team, but they will have to regroup and find suitable alternatives to fill the void left by his absence in their World Cup campaign.