South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 2019 International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup with a hand injury.
South Africa’s team manager Dr. Mohammed Moosajee confirmed that Nortje fractured his right thumb while practising in the nets and will need six to eight weeks for a full recovery.
Nortje immediately consulted a hand surgeon and underwent surgery to stabilise the joint.
“It is an unfortunate and freakish injury, especially because he had made a successful recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka. He has had a few injury setbacks in the last year but knowing Anrich’s character, he will be motivated to come back stronger. We wish him a speedy recovery,” Moosajee said.
JUST IN: South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of #CWC19 with a hand injury. pic.twitter.com/RayYbSGxO0
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 7, 2019
The news is a blow to the 25-year-old made his one-day international (ODI) debut in March against Sri Lanka.
Chris Morris, an all-rounder, has been named as Nortje’s replacement.
Morris last played an ODI in February 2018 and is currently a part of the Delhi Capitals side in the Indian Premier League. He was also a part of South Africa’s T20I squad in the Sri Lanka series at home in March.
The Cricket World Cup will be hosted by England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.
South Africa will face England in the opening game in London on May 30.
