South Africa vs India: Anrich Nortje ruled out of the Test series

The much-awaited three-match Test series between South Africa and India is set to commence on December 26 in Centurion. Ahead of the opening contest, the hosts have been dealt with a huge blow as their in-form bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the whole series. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the news on their official Twitter handle terming a ‘persistent injury’ being the reason for Nortje missing the series.

Nortje has been one of the top bowlers for the Proteas across formats in the last couple of years. He has been picking wickets consistently and would’ve played a crucial role against India. It is still not clear if he will be fit in time for the three-match ODI series to follow.

The 28-year-old has accounted for 47 wickets in just 12 Test matches with three five-wicket hauls to his name. He was also excellent during the T20 World Cup last month where South Africa missed out on a semi-final berth due to inferior net run-rate. Nortje also impressed in the Indian Premier League (IPL) playing for Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons and ended up getting retained for INR 6.5 crore.

CSA to not name any replacement for Nortje

Meanwhile, CSA has decided that they will not name any replacement for Anrich Nortje for the Test series. The other pacers in the squad are Kagiso Rabada, Beuran Hendricks, Glenton Stuurman, Duanne Olivier and Sisanda Magala. Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen are the pace-bowling all-rounders available to get picked as well.

With Rabada and Olivier being the certainties and Mulder most probably likely to play, it remains to be seen who gets a chance as the third seamer of the playing XI. There is every chance that Sisanda Magala thanks to his good show in the domestic circuit. He has featured in 1 ODI and 4 T20Is so far. Beuran Hendricks also might play given that he provides the much-needed variety to the attack.