(Image Source: ICC)
[Saba Sports News] South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje is out of the third ODI against Australia due to lower back spasms and will undergo scans in Johannesburg on Monday, September 11. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed his absence for the upcoming ODI match scheduled for Tuesday, September 12. The extent of his injury is still uncertain, and his return for the rest of the series is in question.
Nortje left the field after bowling five overs in the second ODI in Bloemfontein. Although he returned to bat during the second innings, increased pain forced him to miss the upcoming ODI. There are hopes that he will recover in time, especially with the 2023 ODI World Cup approaching.
Australia currently leads the series 2-0, winning the second ODI by a significant margin of 123 runs. Australia posted a massive total of 392 runs, thanks to centuries by Marnus Labuschagne (124 off 99 balls) and David Warner (106 off 93 balls), along with a quickfire 64 off 36 balls by Travis Head.
With three ODIs remaining, South Africa must win consecutive matches to secure the series. Australia has the opportunity to take an unassailable lead in the series with a victory in the next fixture at Sedgars Park in Potchefstroom.
After the ODI series, South Africa will focus on the ICC event in India. They have warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand on September 29 and October 2 before starting their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 7.