Big blow for South Africa as Anrich Nortje ruled out of ICC CWC 2023 due to back injury
South Africa would have to dodge a bullet during the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India. Their well-experienced star pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the tournament due to a recurring back injury, South Africa head coach Ben Walter confirmed earlier today.
Nortje has been out of cricketing action for quite some time now due to the back injury which has ruled him out of from what could have been his 2nd ODI Worl Cup. He has been an imperative part of the South African team set up that will visit India with an aim to land their maiden Cricket world cup trophy.
Feel for Anrich Nortje….!!!!
Missed out the 2019 World Cup due to an injury and ruled out from 2023 World Cup because of an injury again. He missed two back to back World Cups in his prime. pic.twitter.com/q3FLVZbqNf
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 21, 2023
In the last 3 World Cup editions, South Africa have been able to reach the Semi-finals only once in 2015. Many argue that it was their best chance to win the tournament but New Zealand walked away with a dramatic win in the final ball of the game.
In the last edition, the Proteas did not play the way they should have. They won just 3 matches and lost 5 matches to deny themselves any chances of reaching the Semi-finals. South Africa finished in 7th and their prospects of doing good this year has already faced a major blow.
Anrich Nortje’s omission means South Africa are without a lethal Pace attack who is well aware of Indian conditions. He has been playing the Indian Premier league for the last 4 years for Delhi Capitals and has been among their main bowlers.
He knew Indian conditions more than any other bowler in the team except for Kagiso Rabada. Other than Nortje, All-rounder Sisanda Magala has also been ruled out of the World cup squad and Lizaad Williams and Andile Phehlukwayo have been brought in as their replacement.
“It’s hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup. We sympathize in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action.”
“This provides an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage. Both players have been part of our winter programs as well as having represented South Africa in the recent white-ball tour against Australia. They offer great skill sets and we’re excited to have them complete the 15-player squad for this year’s World Cup.”
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