Anrich Nortje to Miss T20Is Against Pakistan: Here’s the Reason

Anrich Nortje, one of South Africa’s premier fast bowlers, has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan due to a significant injury. This latest development not only impacts the current series but raises questions about South Africa’s pace bowling depth amidst an increasing list of injuries among their bowlers.

Anrich Nortje’s Injury: What Happened?

Nortje suffered a fracture in the big toe of his left foot. Initially diagnosed as a “contusion,” subsequent scans revealed the severity of the injury. The fast bowler is set to consult an orthopaedic specialist to determine the required recovery period.

Nortje was left out of the first T20I match against Pakistan, and his absence will now extend to the remaining two matches of the series. This is a significant blow for South Africa, as his presence would have added experience and skill to the bowling attack.

To cover for Nortje, South Africa has called up uncapped seamer Dayyaan Galiem. Galiem will have a chance to prove his mettle in the final two T20I matches scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

Nortje’s Recent Form and Fitness Concerns

Nortje has not played an international match since the T20 World Cup final in June. His last cricketing action was in the Abu Dhabi T10 League earlier this month. His absence raises concerns about his long-term fitness and availability.

This is not the first time Nortje has been sidelined by injury. Over the past 15 months, he has endured a series of setbacks, including a stress fracture that kept him out of action for nine months from September 2023. Despite his return to action in IPL 2024 and his performance in the T20 World Cup, this latest injury raises alarms.

South Africa’s Injury Woes

• Gerald Coetzee: Out with a groin injury until January.
• Lungi Ngidi: Nursing a hip injury and sidelined until January.
• Nandre Burger: Suffering from a lower back stress fracture and ruled out for the summer.
• Wiaan Mulder: Recovering from a finger fracture and aiming for a Boxing Day Test comeback.

The string of injuries leaves South Africa’s bowling resources stretched thin, raising concerns ahead of crucial matches, including the ODI series against Pakistan and the Champions Trophy.

Nortje is signed to play for the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 League starting on January 10. Depending on his recovery timeline, this tournament could provide him with much-needed match fitness before major international commitments. Beyond his skills, Nortje brings invaluable experience to the team. His absence leaves a leadership void, particularly in guiding younger bowlers.