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South Africa have suffered a massive blow ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series against India, starting on December 26. Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the Test leg to a hip injury. Notably, the right-arm pacer has not bowled since the Men’s T20 World Cup in November and is still struggling with the niggle.
There is no doubt that Nortje’s absence will be a massive blow to the home team as he is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in Tests this year. Nortje has picked up 25 wickets from five Test matches.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the development on Twitter, mentioning that no replacement has been announced.
“#Proteas Squad update Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 3-match #BetwayTestSeries due to a persistent injury. No replacement will be brought in #SAvIND #FreedomSeries #BePartOfIt,” tweeted CSA.
#Proteas Squad update 🚨
Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 3-match #BetwayTestSeries due to a persistent injury 🚑
No replacement will be brought in#SAvIND #FreedomSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/5R8gnwdcpF
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 21, 2021
“He has unfortunately not recovered adequately for the expected Test match bowling loads and is currently consulting with specialists to manage and advise on his recovery. No replacement will be brought in,” CSA said in a statement as quoted by India Today.
Here is South Africa’s updated squad for India Tests:
Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma (vc), Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Prenelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Duanne Oliver.
