Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje fields a ball during a Test match Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortjé has been ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies with a groin injury. Picture: Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
Cape Town – The Proteas suffered a major blow ahead of the second Betway Test against the West Indies at the Wanderers after fast bowler Anrich Nortjé was ruled out through injury.
Nortjé experienced mild groin discomfort during the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion, and as a precaution, has been asked to rest following an assessment by South Africa's medical team.
The 29-year-old was in excellent form during the first Test when he claimed a fourth career Test five-wicket haul to rip through the West Indies first innings.
A replacement has not been named despite the Proteas not having an extra specialist fast bowler in their squad.
#Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been released, as a precaution, from the Test squad after experiencing mild groin discomfort during the first Betway Test 🏏
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 6, 2023
No replacement has been named#SAvWI #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/rZ3dCHYGXa
Seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder could come into contention at his home ground, while the Proteas could also plan an extra spin option in the form of either Keshav Maharaj or Simon Harmer with the Wanderers having taken plenty of turn this past season.
Lions spinner Bjorn Fortuin claimed a match-haul of 9/129 last week at the Wanderers to spearhead his team to victory over Western Province.
DP World Wanderers, you're up next as we look to seal the #SAvWI series🏏
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 4, 2023
Remember, Children under 18 & wearing school uniform gain FREE ENTRY 🧑🎓
Grab your tickets today 🎟️https://t.co/dTYi2ZE9FI#BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/ArXKsUcluv
Meanwhile, Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt has also been released from the squad due to family reasons, with the first Test subsequently his last as bowling coach.
The second Test begins on Wednesday, with the first ball scheduled for 10am.
Proteas Test squad for the second Test against West Indies at the Wanderers: Temba Bavuma (captain), Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keegan Petersen, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton.