South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje ruled out of Champions Trophy with back injury

South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje will miss the Champions Trophy due to a back injury. Nortje has not played international cricket since the T20 World Cup final in June last year.

In Short

• South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje will miss the ICC Champions Trophy
• Nortje has not played international cricket since T20 World Cup final
• Gerald Coetzee looks set to be called up as Nortje's replacement

Cricket South Africa has confirmed that pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury. Nortje, a pivotal figure in South Africa's pace attack, underwent scans earlier this week, which revealed the severity of his condition.

Despite his inclusion in the squad earlier, the medical evaluation determined that Nortje would not recover in time to participate in the tournament. South Africa will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi.

"Pretoria Capitals fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the Betway SA20 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 due to a back injury," said Cricket South Africa in a statement. "The 31-year-old, who was initially named in the Champions Trophy squad, underwent scans on Monday afternoon which revealed the extent of the injury.

"He is not expected to recover in time for the 50-over tournament, where South Africa will begin their campaign on February 21 against Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan. His replacement will be announced in due course," the statement added.

The star pacer has not featured in any format for South Africa since the T20 World Cup final in June 2024 and last appeared on the field during the Abu Dhabi T10 on December 2. His fitness struggles have become a recurring issue, preventing him from consistent participation at the highest level.

Nortje's decision to opt out of Test cricket for the 2024/25 season to focus on white-ball cricket and franchise commitments underscores his challenges with maintaining fitness for the game's rigorous demands. The fast bowler was poised to make a significant impact in the Champions Trophy, but this setback continues his unfortunate streak of injuries. Notably, he has yet to feature in an ODI World Cup, having missed both the 2019 and 2023 editions due to injuries.

While his absence is a blow to South Africa's campaign, Gerald Coetzee is expected to be named as his replacement. Coetzee, who impressed during the 2023 World Cup, narrowly missed out on initial selection in favor of Nortje. South Africa's head coach, Rob Walter, had earlier highlighted the qualities both bowlers bring to the table, emphasizing Nortje's experience and raw pace.

The timeline for Nortje's recovery remains uncertain, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming IPL season, where he will be able to represent the Kolkata Knight Riders. South Africa will now look to regroup and adjust their plans without one of their premier fast bowlers as they aim to make a strong impression in the tournament.