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Anrich Nortje Ruled Out Of South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test

Aakash Saini

Anrich Nortje [Source: AP]Anrich Nortje [Source: AP]

Anrich Nortje walked off the field in the middle of his spell against Australia on Day 4 of South Africa’s must-win home Test in Gqeberha. Introduced into the attack in the 14th over of the first Australian innings, the cricketer bowled just 3.3 overs in his opening spell before walking off.

Nortje indicated pain in his ankle in the middle of his fourth over, prompting ace spinner Simon Harmer to complete the remainder of the over. Now, it has emerged that Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 2nd South Africa vs Australia Test.

Fresh injury blow loading for South Africa with Anrich Nortje

South Africa’s bowling reserves have been struck with a sequence of injuries in their ongoing home series against Australia. With senior paceman Kagiso Rabada returning from his own injury, lanky fast bowler Anrich Nortje has now suffered an ankle issue.

Nortje indicated pain in his ankle in the middle of the fourth over of his opening spell against Australia on Day 4 of the second Test in Gqeberha. The speedster delivered just three balls before he walked off biting his hand towel.

In a statement released by Cricket South Africa, the statement read, "Anrich Nortje is undergoing assessment for a possible right groin injury and will take no further part in the ongoing innings against Australia."

Nortje's absence could be considered as a massive blow for the hosts as the African pacers have been all over Australia. They bundled out Australia for a paltry 99 in the first innings, which is among Australia's lowest innings total in South Africa.

South Africa to be rocked by Nortje's absence

Nortje played a crucial role before walking off the field in pain. The wicket he took off Marnus Labuschagne in the first over of his opening spell pretty much wrecked the Australian top-order at 45-4 after early strikes from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

It is worth noting that Nortje also played the first Test of South Africa’s ongoing home series against Australia in Durban last week. The 33-year-old picked up four wickets in the match, albeit at an expensive bowling average of 36 as South Africa lost the Test by 214 runs.