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Pacer has not bowled since the T20 World Cup due to a hip issue; no replacement called up
Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of South Africa’s upcoming three-Test series against India due to a “persistent” hip injury. Nortje has not bowled since the Men’s T20 World Cup in November, and is still struggling with the niggle and does not have sufficient bowling loads under his belt to be cleared to play. CSA’s chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra told ESPNcricinfo that Nortje is undergoing rehabilitation and is aiming to be ready for the ODIs against India in mid-January.
Nortje’s absence is a massive blow to South Africa – he is their leading bowler in Tests this year. Nortje has taken 25 wickets from five Tests at 20.76, six ahead of his nearest team-mate, Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa’s squad has begun its final preparations for the series that starts on Boxing Day, and so far has come through all Covid-19 tests successfully.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent
This article was originally published by Espncricinfo.com. Read the original article here.