SA vs AUS 3rd ODI: Why is Anrich Nortje not playing today’s match?

The South Africa fast bowler, Anrich Nortje, will be absent from South Africa’s crucial third One-Day International (ODI) against Australia. The match is scheduled for Tuesday, and Nortje’s absence is a significant setback for the Proteas as they aim to make a comeback in the series, which currently stands at 2-0 in favor of the visitors.

Why is Anrich Nortje not playing SA vs AUS 3rd ODI?

Nortje’s absence is due to lower back spasms, which forced him to leave the field after bowling just five overs during the second ODI on Saturday. Although he did return to bat during the Proteas’ chase, Cricket South Africa has confirmed that he will require further assessment. Nortje was scheduled to undergo scans in Johannesburg on Monday, and an update on his condition will follow.

The absence of Anrich Nortje is a blow to the Proteas, particularly considering their strategic reliance on pace bowling for the upcoming World Cup. With less than a month remaining before the 50-over World Cup in India, South Africa is facing concerns about their bowling performance, which has been identified as a reason for their unsatisfactory results against Australia in this ODI series.

The first ODI saw the Aussies claim a three-wicket victory, and in the second match, they secured a comfortable 123-run win. As South Africa works on improving their fast bowling performance, they hope to bounce back in the series and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.

Probable South Africa XI

Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jensen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi

South Africa Squad

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