South Africa has suffered a significant setback ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as star right-arm seamer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out due to a back injury.
Injury Details
The 31-year-old pacer underwent scans on Monday, revealing the severity of his back injury. Nortje, who has not played an ODI since September 2023, is not expected to recover in time for the tournament, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan. South Africa’s campaign starts on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi.
This marks another disappointment for Nortje, who also missed the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India due to a stress fracture in his back.
Impact on South Africa
Nortje’s absence is a significant blow for the Proteas. Known for his pace, bounce, and variations, Nortje has been a key player in South Africa’s bowling attack, with 36 wickets in 22 ODIs and 53 wickets in 42 T20Is.
Despite this setback, South Africa has retained a strong core group that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
New Faces in the Squad
The Proteas squad features four new players set to debut in a 50-over ICC event:
- Tony de Zorzi
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Wiaan Mulder
Full South Africa Squad for Champions Trophy 2025:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lungi Ngidi
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Rassie van der Dussen
Replacement Announcement
Cricket South Africa has yet to announce Nortje’s replacement, and all eyes will be on who steps up to fill the void in the Proteas’ pace attack.
The ICC Champions Trophy runs from February 19 to March 7, 2025, in Pakistan. With South Africa looking to build on their recent performances, the team will need to overcome Nortje’s absence and rally behind their experienced and emerging players.