South Africa pace bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 3-match Test series against India due to a persistent injury. No replacement has been named yet, as tweeted by Cricket South Africa.
Injury to Anrich Nortje has been a huge blow to the Proteas’ chances as the 28-year old has been a regular member in all three formats. Notable that he made his debut in last India in 2019 as he picked his maiden Test wicket in form of Virat Kohli at Ranchi.
In his 12-test career so far he picked 47 wickets. At home his record is even more impressive, picking 23 wickets in 6 games including two fifers. Earlier this year he picked 8 wickets in the series against West Indies in which the Proteas comprehensively beat the hosts by 2-0.
Duanne Olivier likely to replace him in the XI
In absence of him, Duanne Olivier might take his place in the XI. 29-Year old pacer’s international was halted due to the Kolpak deal. Earlier this year he made a return to South Africa and so far picked 28 wickets in 4 matches in South Africa’s domestic franchise 4-day tournament. So far in his Test career, he picked 48 wickets in 10 matches with an average of 19.25 including 3 fifers.
In the 2018-19 season, he picked 24 wickets in a 3-match series against Pakistan with an exceptional strike rate of 22. The proteas clean-swept Pakistan by 3-0 and he was named ‘Player of The Series’.
So Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Duanne Olivier might be a 3-man pace attack with which South Africa would like to go ahead in the first Test at Centurion.
South Africa’s updated Test squad:
Dean Elgar (C), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock (WK), Kagiso Rabada, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Pranelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Dusanne Olivier
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