ICC ODI World Cup | South Africa’s Anrich Nortje drops out of World Cup with finger injury
South Africa pacer, Anrich Nortje, fractured his right thumb during net practice session in Port Elizabeth which has ruled him out of the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup which starts on May 30. Nortje will take six-eight weeks to fully recover as Chris Morris is named as his replacement in the WC squad.
Proteas fast bowler, Anrich Nortje, has officially been ruled out of the upcoming ICC ODI Cricket World Cup which will start on May 30 in England after having suffered a hand injury. The incident that occurred during a practice session in Port Elizabeth caused Nortje to fracture his right thumb which will require at least six-eight weeks to make a full recovery.
"Anrich sustained a fracture to his right thumb during a net session in Port Elizabeth on Monday. He immediately consulted a hand surgeon and underwent surgery to stabilise the joint and will unfortunately be side-lined for up to eight weeks. This makes him unavailable for the upcoming ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.
"It is an unfortunate and freakish injury, especially because he had made a successful recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka. He has had a few injury setbacks in the last year but knowing Anrich's character, he will be motivated to come back stronger. We wish him a speedy recovery," South Africa team manager, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, told Cricbuzz on Tuesday.
Delhi Capitals all-rounder Chris Morris has been called up to the South Africa team as a replacement for the outgoing Nortje. Morris, who last played an ODI for Faf Du Plessis & Co. in February 2018, will look to add some firepower to the South African squad at the global showpiece.
"Chris has always been in our plans and is our next best option with the ball. He has the pace and death-bowling skills which will be vital in the UK, and also gives us that depth as a deadly finisher with the bat. We have had concerns around his injuries and workload capabilities but this is an opportunity for him to make a mark on the biggest stage. Admittedly, the injuries ahead of the tournament have been frustrating but I continue to have confidence that the players we have selected will make the country proud.
"It is unfortunate what has happened to Anrich, he is a talented player with exciting potential. We wish him well on his road to recovery and have no doubt that he will bounce back to fulfil his potential," Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel convener, Linda Zondi, added.