SA vs IND: Anrich Nortje ruled out of Test series owing to injury
Anrich Nortje(Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Getty Images/Gallo Images)
South Africa will be up against India in the upcoming three-match Test series due to begin on December 26 in Centurion. However, ahead of the first Test match, the hosts’ preparation has been severally dented as pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the series due to an injury. According to reports, Cricket South Africa (CSA) will not be announcing any replacement for Nortje.
This is also South Africa’s first Test series in the Test Championship Cycle. The hosts were expecting to start the series with full available resources, but Nortje’s untimely injury has slightly pushed South Africa on the back foot. The 28-year-old has been pivotal for the team’s revival in the past year or so. He has managed to be a regular fixture in the team in all three formats of the game.
Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the Test series against India.
That’s a bummer.
— Derek Alberts (@derekalberts1) December 21, 2021
In the red-ball format, he has played 12 Test matches, picking 47 wickets. The pacer’s ability to crank up speeds and bowl with pinpoint accuracy makes him a dangerous customer. He was also in good form in the 20-20 World Cup. However, some persistent injury have not allowed the 28-year-old to play with the same freedom.
The hosts have Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Sisanda Magala, and Marco Jansen as the other pace bowling options. Meanwhile, South Africa would be without wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock for a minimum of two Tests.
The first Test match will begin on December 26 in Centurion. The hosts are being led by Dean Elgar. They have never lost a Test series to India at home and it remains to be seen if Elgar manages to hold on to that proud record.
