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Cricket South Africa (CSA) on March 06 (Monday) announced that star fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been released from the senior men's squad ahead of the second Test against West Indies. The right-arm pacer sustained a 'mild groin discomfort' during the first Test and due to precautionary reasons he has been left out for the second Test. The news comes as a major blow for the Proteas as Nortje was the protagonist behind their victory in the first Test.
Nortje took bagged a five wicket-haul in the first innings against West Indies at Centurion while he picked up one more wicket in the second innings before South Africa clinched the opening Test by a margin of 87 runs.
The South African cricket board has not announced any replacement for Nortje, who has been in tremendous form with the ball lately. Since making his Test debut in 2019, the right-arm express pacer has accounted for 70 wickets in 90 Tests, including four five-wicket hauls.
All-rounder Wiaan Mulder can replace Nortje in the second Test if the South Africans are looking to go with another pace option. Keshav Maharaj, who missed the first Test, is another option if Proteas want to bolster its spin department.
After the completion of the second Test, South Africa and West Indies are scheduled to play a three-match ODI and a three-game T20I series. It would be interesting to see if Nortje recovers from his injury in due time and becomes available for selection in the white-ball series.
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