South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan due to a fractured big toe on his left foot. Initially diagnosed as a contusion after he missed the series opener, scans later confirmed the fracture. Nortje is set to consult an orthopaedics specialist to assess the recovery timeline.
Replacement Called Up for Remaining Matches
Uncapped seamer Dayyaan Galiem has been brought into the squad to replace Nortje for the final two matches of the series, scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
A Challenging Year for Nortje
Nortje’s injury comes just weeks after his participation in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, although he hasn’t played an international game since the T20 World Cup final in June. His inclusion in Rob Walter’s ODI plans for the upcoming series against Pakistan is now doubtful. Despite this setback, Nortje could regain match fitness in time for the Champions Trophy squad selection, with the SA20 league kicking off on January 10, where he is contracted to the Pretoria Capitals.
Injury History and Adaptation
This marks Nortje’s second significant injury in just over a year. After a stress fracture sidelined him for nine months starting in September 2023, he made a strong return at IPL 2024 and subsequently played in the T20 World Cup, where he emerged as South Africa's leading wicket-taker. Currently managing his workload post-injury, Nortje has stepped away from Cricket South Africa’s national contract and temporarily paused his red-ball cricket commitments.
A Struggling Pace Attack
Nortje’s absence adds to South Africa’s mounting injury woes among their bowlers. Gerald Coetzee and Lungi Ngidi are out with groin and hip injuries, respectively, while Nandre Burger is sidelined for the summer due to a lower back stress fracture. Meanwhile, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who broke a finger, is racing against time to be fit for the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
With Nortje out of action and South Africa’s pace unit battling injuries, the team faces significant challenges as they prepare for critical matches in the coming months.