Due to injury, South Africa’s best bowler will not play. The current ODI series against Australia has been marred by the terrible injury sustained by South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje. Due to lower back spasms, Nortje was forced to withdraw from the third ODI, making it unclear whether he will be available for the rest of the series.
The South African team should be concerned about this development, especially with the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in 2023 just around the corner.
Nortje suffered an injury during the second ODI in Bloemfontein, leaving the pitch after only five overs. Although he temporarily returned to the plate in the second inning, the growing discomfort has forced him to leave the game. He will have scans to establish the severity of the injury in Johannesburg, according to Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Nortje’s injury occurred at the worst possible time for South Africa. After Australia’s resounding 123-run victory in the second ODI, they now find themselves down 2-0 in the series. With the help of centuries from Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner, coupled with a quick-fire 64 from Travis Head, Australia amassed an impressive total of 392 runs.
South Africa has its eyes set on the ODI World Cup in India in 2023 after the current series. They have a busy schedule of practice games before their season starts on October 7 against Sri Lanka. The team’s World Cup preparations depend on Nortje’s fitness, which increases the pressure on him to heal quickly.
The loss of Anrich Nortje will hurt South Africa’s chances of winning the current ODI series against Australia as well as their efforts to qualify for the 2019 ODI World Cup. His scan results will be eagerly anticipated by the team, who are praying for good news. The fragility of professional sports and the difficulties teams have when prominent players are injured are highlighted by Nortje’s absence.
