Picture Credit: CSA
South Africa have suffered a major blow ahead of the 3-match Test series against India. Their star pacer Anrich Nortje, who was supposed to play a huge role for the home side, has unfortunately been ruled out of the upcoming series due to a persistent injury. The board has also confirmed that they won't be announcing any replacement for the injured pacer.
“Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 3-match #BetwayTestSeries due to a persistent injury. No replacement will be brought in,” CSA stated on Twitter.
Nortje's absence will be a huge miss for home side
The absence of Anrich Nortje is certainly a huge miss for the home side, who have been heavily dependent on the pacer's performances in recent times. The 28-year-old has exceptional stats in his short Test career, with 47 wickets in 12 matches to his name.
With his raw pace and the ability to generate bounce, he would have certainly been a deadly and game-changing prospect for South Africa on their home tracks.
Why have CSA decided to not announce any replacement?
CSA's decision to not name any replacement for the injured Anrich Nortje has certainly taken everyone by surprise. However, it must be noted that South Africa already have quite a few pacers in their original 21-member squad which was announced for the Test series against India.
Apart from the experienced Kagiso Rabada who will certainly feature in the playing XI of 1st Test starting on December 26, the home side also have Duanne Olivier and Sisanda Magala who have been rewarded for their sensational performances in the domestic circuit.
In addition, they also have exciting fast-bowling talents like Lungi Ngidi and Beuran Hendricks in the squad. With all-rounders like Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman and Wiaan Mulder also present, South Africa certainly have ample of options to choose from to replace Nortje.