A piece of bad news is coming for South African cricket fans before the ODI World Cup 2023. Star fast bowler Anrich Nortje who is considered the fastest bowler in the world at the moment is said to be missing the ODI World Cup.
Nortje could have been a potent asset for South Africa as they pursue their first-ever World Cup title in India from October to November. According to reports, the 29-year-old won’t be able to join the team in India due to a back injury.
Nortje was involved in the second ODI of the five-match series against Australia in South Africa in recent times. During the match, he bowled five overs but had to leave the field due to back spasms. Although he didn’t return to bowl, he did come out to bat in the second innings and scored 10 runs off 13 balls. South African cricket management then ruled out Nortje seeing the World Cup but now it seems the bowler won’t be able to give his service to his team in the upcoming tournament.
The ICC World Cup is set to commence in India on October 5, 2023, featuring the opening match between England and New Zealand. South Africa will embark on their campaign on October 7, facing off against Sri Lanka at the renowned Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
South Africa’s squad for the ODI World Cup 2023:
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton De kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Henrich Klaasen, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen