JOHANNESBURG: Fast bowler Anrich Nortje was on Tuesday ruled out of the Champions Trophy because of a back injury.
The latest injury setback for the 31-year-old was announced by Cricket South Africa a day after he was named in his country’s 15-man squad for the tournament in Pakistan next month.
Nortje, at his peak the fastest bowler in international cricket, underwent a scan on Monday, according to a statement by CSA, “which revealed the extent of the injury.”
The statement did not specify the exact nature of the injury.
Nortje, who has played in 19 Tests, 22 one-day internationals and 42 T20 internationals, has not played any international cricket since the final of the T20 World Cup in Barbados last June.
He had been in line to make a comeback against Pakistan last month but suffered a broken toe while batting in the nets.
Nortje was also ruled out of the ongoing SA20 franchise competition in which he was due to play for Pretoria Capitals.
CSA said a replacement would be named later.
South Africa’s injured Nortje ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
https://arab.news/rj8x3
South Africa’s injured Nortje ruled out of Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
- Nortje has played in 19 Tests, 22 one-day internationals and 42 T20 internationals for South Africa
- Replacement for Nortje, named in South Africa’s 15-man squad on Tuesday, will be announced soon
Imperious Alcaraz storms to Qatar Open title
- The seven-time Grand Slam champion needed just over 50 minutes to see off his French opponent
- He claimed the 26th title of his career
DOHA: Carlos Alcaraz was at his devastating best on Saturday as he claimed the Qatar Open title with a ruthless 6-2, 6-1 win over Arthur Fils.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion needed just over 50 minutes to see off his French opponent and claim the 26th title of his career.
Following Australian Open success earlier this month — completing his career Grand Slam at just 22 years of age — Alcaraz backed it up by storming to the title in Doha in his first tournament back since Melbourne and extending his match-winning streak to 12.
For 40th-ranked Fils, returning gradually to action after a lengthy injury absence, the Spanish world number one was a step too far at the end of a fine week in which he recorded wins over top-10 seeds Jakub Mensik and Jiri Lehecka.
