Champions Trophy 2025: Major Setback for South Africa as Anrich Nortje is Ruled Out Due to Injury
In a significant blow to South Africa, fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions Trophy due to a back injury. Cricket South Africa announced that Nortje, who also plays for Pretoria Capitals, will miss the remaining matches of the Betway SA20 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A replacement for Nortje will be announced in due course.
Nortje, who hasn’t played international cricket since the T20 World Cup final in June last year, was recently included in South Africa’s squad for the Champions Trophy. However, a scan earlier this week confirmed that he would not be fit in time for the tournament, which is set to begin in Pakistan on February 19.
Ngidi Returns to the Team
Lungi Ngidi, who was sidelined due to a groin strain last November, has made his return to the team. Ngidi missed the ODI series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan but is now fit to play. Under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s Test team has achieved considerable success, reaching the final of the World Test Championship. The team is hopeful for similar success in the Champions Trophy, where they are placed in Group B alongside Australia, England, and Afghanistan.
South Africa had a commendable run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Australia. The team also made it to the final of the T20 World Cup 2024, demonstrating consistent performance in recent ICC tournaments.
South Africa’s Tournament Schedule
The South African team will begin their Champions Trophy campaign on February 21 with a match against Afghanistan in Karachi. They will face Australia on February 25 in Rawalpindi and conclude the group stage against England on March 1. Gerald Coetzee, another fast bowler, is also absent from the squad due to a groin injury sustained during a Test match against Sri Lanka last year. Additionally, fast bowler Nandre Burger has been left out due to an ongoing injury.
Team Composition
The South African squad has a balanced mix of all-rounders, spinners, and fast bowlers. Wiaan Mulder, currently undergoing rehabilitation for a broken finger, has been included after receiving clearance from the team’s physio. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabrez Shamsi will be supported by Aiden Markram. The pace attack will be led by Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Wiaan Mulder. The team awaits the announcement of a replacement for Nortje.
South Africa’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabrez Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.
