Anrich Nortje, the star South African pacer, won’t be able to play in the upcoming third ODI against Australia, which is set to take place on Tuesday at the JB Marks Oval.
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje won’t be taking part in the third ODI of the five-match series against Australia. Unfortunately, he’s battling with lower back spasms and will have scans done in Johannesburg on Monday, September 11, to examine the extent of the condition.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed that Nortje won’t be available for the upcoming ODI planned for Tuesday, September 12. His return for the rest of the series is doubtful, pending the findings of his scans.
Nortje had to leave the field after bowling just five overs in the second ODI in Bloemfontein. Although he returned to bat during the second innings, the pain intensified, causing him to sit out the subsequent ODI.
The team administration is surely hoping for Nortje’s fast recovery, especially with the 2023 ODI World Cup on the horizon. Speaking of the continuing series, the Australian side has established a 2-0 lead with a comprehensive 123-run victory in the second ODI.
In that contest, Australia set up an intimidating 392 runs in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to centuries from Marnus Labuschagne (124 off 99 balls) and David Warner (106 off 93 balls), coupled with an explosive 64 off 36 balls from Travis Head.
With three ODIs remaining, South Africa will need to raise up their game and win consecutive matches to tilt the series in their favor. On the other side, a victory in the next tie at Sedgars Park in Potchefstroom would put Mitchell Marsh and his team in an unassailable position in the series.
After the conclusion of the 5-match ODI series, South Africa will shift their focus to the highly anticipated ICC ODI World Cup event which is scheduled in India. They are expected to play two warm-up matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand on September 29 and October 2, respectively, before beginning off their campaign in the main event against Sri Lanka.
