SA vs WI: South Africa speedster Anrich Nortje ruled out of second Test

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out owing to 'mild groin discomfort' before the second Test against the West Indies at the Wanderers. In the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion, he felt mild discomfort and was advised to take rest as a precaution by the medical team of the Proteas. 

Nortje is a key bowler to South Africa’s squad. In the last Test played in Centurion, Nortje wreaked havoc on the Windies batting line-up with his aggressive bowling to help the Proteas seal the game comfortably by 87 runs. In the first innings, the pacer’s 5/36 helped the hosts contain the visitors to 212 runs.

However, in the second Test, his services will be missed by the hosts and now they are left with only three seamers - Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee. Following his unavailability, South Africa have not asked for his replacement which means spinners, Keshav Maharaj or Simon Harmer, who warmed the bench during the first Test, may feature in the playing XI of the second Test.

There are also chances of bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder making a Test appearance in front of his home crowd. The 25-year-old Mulder is known for his excellent seam bowling and has played 11 Tests for his national team so far.  

Charl Langeveldt’s tenure draws to a close

After the end of the first Test, Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt left the team’s campaign due to family obligations. The contest also proved to be his last game as their bowling coach. Since 2019, he was an active member of the support staff. The 48-year-old will now be seen in the upcoming IPL as Punjab Kings' bowling coach.  

He will be supported by Trevor Bayliss, and Brad Haddin. Bayliss will replace Anil Kumble as the head coach while Haddin will help him as the assistant coach.

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