(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] South Africa speedster Anrich Nortje has reportedly been ruled out of the entire ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, which is scheduled to be held in India from the 5th of October to the 19th of November.
This is a significant setback for the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas as Nortje was coming across as their leading pacer in white-ball cricket.
South Africa had initially announced Nortje as a part of the 15-member World Cup squad, but it now appears that the 29-year-old pacer is set to miss the tournament due to injury.
However, an official confirmation on this is yet to be given by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Nortje sustained a back spasm during the second ODI match between South Africa and Australia in Bloemfontein. Nortje bowled 5 overs in the innings, conceding 58 runs without taking any wicket, and subsequently left the field as he experienced discomfort in his back. However, he did come to bat in the second innings and scored 10 runs off 13 balls.
Interestingly, Nortje had also been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 Proteas squad due to a fractured thumb, and he now finds himself in a similar situation ahead of this marquee tournament. In 2019, Chris Morris replaced him in the World Cup squad.
Nortje has played 22 ODIs, taking 36 wickets with an average of 27.27 and an economy rate of 5.85. South Africa is all set to play their first match against Sri Lanka in Delhi on the 7th of October, followed by fixtures against Australia and New Zealand in Lucknow and Dharmasala on the 12th and 17th of October respectively.