South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out of Champions Trophy with back injury
South Africa fast bowler Anrich Notje has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury.
The 31-year-old was initially named in the Proteas’ 15-man squad for the 50-over tournament in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
However, scans on Monday revealed the extent of the injury and a statement from Cricket South Africa confirmed that Nortje was not expected to recover in time to feature in the eight-team tournament.
Nortje, who last played in the Abu Dhabi T10 in December, will also miss the remainder of the SA20 Franchise Championship, where he was scheduled to play for Pretoria Capitals.
South Africa will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21 and will name Nortje’s replacement.
