SA vs AUS 4th ODI: Why is Anrich Nortje not playing today?

In a significant setback for the South African cricket team ahead of SA vs AUS 4th ODI, fast bowler Anrich Nortje will not be taking part in the 4th ODI match against Australia.

SA vs AUS 4th ODI: Why is Anrich Nortje not playing?

The reason behind Nortje’s absence today is a lower back injury, which has ruled him out of the final two ODI matches of the series. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the Proteas, as Nortje is set to resume bowling this weekend under the close supervision of the medical staff.

🟢 PROTEAS SQUAD UPDATE 🟡

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje (lower back injury) is ruled out of the remaining 2 matches of the #Betway ODI series against Australia

ODI captain Temba Bavuma (adductor strain) is unavailable for the 4th ODI

Aiden Markram will lead the side #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/qnlngnmCQl

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 15, 2023

Anrich Nortje has been a crucial asset for South Africa in the fast bowling department, known for his express pace and ability to trouble batsmen with his aggressive deliveries. His absence due to a lower back injury is undoubtedly a blow for the team, especially in a crucial series against Australia and ahead of ODI World Cup 2023.

South Africa Squad

Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Sisanda Magala, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Bjorn Fortuin, Wayne Parnell, Anrich Nortje

Australia Squad

Mitchell Marsh (c), Alex Carey (wk), David Warner, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Tanveer Sangha, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Aaron Hardie, Adam Zampa, Michael Neser, Ashton Agar