Anrich Nortje ruled out of third Australia ODI with back spasms

South Africa speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the third ODI of the five-match series against Australia. Notably, the pacer sustained spasms in his lower back and will undergo scans in Johannesburg on Monday, September 11.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that the pacer will be confined to the sidelines for the upcoming ODI match, slated to be played on Tuesday, September 12. The extent of the pain is yet to be determined and it remains to be seen if he will return for the remainder of the series.

It is worth mentioning that Nortje left the field after bowling five overs in the second ODI in Bloemfontein. Despite returning to bat during the second innings, subsequent increase in pain has forced him to sit out of the upcoming ODI.

The think tank will hope that the pacer recovers in time keeping mind that the eagerly-anticipated 2023 ODI World Cup is on the horizon. Speaking about the ongoing series, the Aussies have extended their lead to 2-0, following a mammoth win by 123 runs in the second ODI match.

Notably, Australia posted a humongous 392 runs in their stipulated 50 overs of the contest courtesy of centuries by Marnus Labuschagne (124 off 99 balls) and David Warner (106 off 93 balls) coupled with an invaluable knock by Travis Head, who scored a quick fire 64 off 36 balls. 

With three ODIs to go, the Proteas will need to up the ante and win consecutive games to clinch the series. Meanwhile, a win in the next fixture at Sedgars Park in Potchefstroom would help Mitchell Marsh and Co. take an unassailable lead in the series. 

Following the conclusion of the five-match ODI series, South Africa will turn their attention towards the marquee ICC event in India. The Proteas will play two warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand on September 29 and October 2, before kickstarting their campaign in the main event against Sri Lanka on October 7.