SA vs PAK: Anrich Nortje Ruled Out of Pakistan Series Due to Toe Injury
Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the Pakistan T20I series due to injury.
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan and the following ODI series due to a left toe injury. Cricket South Africa (CSA) shared the news on Thursday, confirming the 31-year-old’s unavailability for the remainder of the matches.
The injury occurred during training before the first T20I in Durban. Nortje suffered a contusion on his left big toe, which kept him out of the opening match. Later scans revealed a fracture, and he will consult an orthopaedic surgeon to plan his recovery.
This series marked Nortje’s return to South Africa’s T20I squad since the Men’s T20 World Cup in June, where South Africa finished as runners-up to India. He was also being considered for the Champions Trophy next year, as per the team’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter.
Dayyaan Galiem Named as Replacement
All-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been called up to replace Nortje for the remaining two T20Is. Galiem, a former South Africa U19 player, is known for his medium-pace bowling and batting skills. He has taken 46 wickets and scored 723 runs in 60 T20 matches. He also represented the Johannesburg Super Kings in the SA20 League and currently plays for the Titans in domestic cricket.
The remaining matches will be played on December 13 at SuperSport Park, Centurion, and December 14 at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. South Africa leads the three-match T20I series 1-0 after a close 11-run victory in Durban.
