South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 International series against Pakistan and the following three-match One-Day International ODI series due to a left toe injury.
The 31-year-old pacer sustained a contusion on his left big toe during training ahead of the first T20I on Tuesday. Initially sidelined for the opening match, subsequent scans conducted on Wednesday revealed a fracture, which led to him being ruled out of the series. Nortje will now consult with a specialist orthopaedic surgeon to determine the duration of his recovery.
In Nortje’s absence, all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been called up as his replacement. The 26-year-old will join the Proteas squad for the remaining two T20Is scheduled to be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday, 13 December, and the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on December 14, Saturday.
Nortje ruled out
Nortje’s injury could be a significant setback for South Africa, as the experienced fast bowler has been a key component of their bowling attack. The team will now look to Galiem to contribute with both bat and ball as they aim to perform strongly in the series against Pakistan.
The uncapped pacer Dayyaan Galiem has taken 46 wickets in his T20 career, playing 60 matches so far.
Anrich Nortje, on the other hand, has not played for South Africa since the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final in June, where he was the team’s top wicket-taker with 15 dismissals. Nortje has also opted out of a national contract with South Africa to manage his workload.
Nortje is the latest addition to South Africa’s growing list of injured bowlers. Gerald Coetzee is sidelined with a groin injury, Nandre Burger has a lower back stress fracture, Lungi Ngidi is nursing a hip injury, and Wiaan Mulder, who was injured during the first Test against Sri Lanka, is recovering from a broken finger.
