World Cup 2019: Anrich Nortje ruled out of the tournament; replacement named

The upcoming edition of the World Cup is only just over three weeks away from getting underway. England and South Africa will lock horns in the tournament opener on May 30 even as all the teams will finalise their squads by May 23.

South Africa, in the meantime, have been jolted with a huge blow as their fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the mega event. He sustained the thumb injury during the practice session in Port Elizabeth. It will take close to six to eight weeks for the pacer to recover from the injury.

South Africa‘s team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee confirmed the news while also saying that it is extremely unfortunate for the cricketer to get ruled out from the World Cup. “Anrich sustained a fracture to his right thumb during a net session in Port Elizabeth on Monday. He immediately consulted a hand surgeon and underwent surgery to stabilise the joint and will, unfortunately, be sidelined for up to eight weeks. This makes him unavailable for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

“It is an unfortunate and freakish injury, especially because he had made a successful recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka. He has had a few injury setbacks in the last year but knowing Anrich’s character, he will be motivated to come back stronger. We wish him a speedy recovery,” he said.

Earlier, the shoulder injury kept him out of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) where he was set to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders. More than anything, not playing the World Cup will be heartbreaking for Nortje as he cranked up a good pace and could’ve troubled oppositions.

Morris called up as a replacement

According to Cricbuzz, Chris Morris has been called up as the replacement for Nortje and this is a dream return for the all-rounder in the team after being ignored earlier. He is currently playing in the IPL for the Delhi Capitals and has done well with the ball. Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel convener Linda Zondi explained the decision to being Morris into the team and cleared that he was always in the plans.

“Chris has always been in our plans and is our next best option with the ball. He has the pace and death-bowling skills which will be vital in the UK, and also gives us that depth as a deadly finisher with the bat. We have had concerns around his injuries and workload capabilities but this is an opportunity for him to make a mark on the biggest stage,” he said.

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