ICC World Cup 2019: Nortje ruled out with injury, Chris Morris called up

Nortje overcame ankle and shoulder injuries over the course of the summer before he could make his international debut in March this year.

South Africa suffered a blow ahead of the World Cup with fast bowler Anrich Nortje being ruled out of the tournament due to a fractured thumb. Chris Morris has been called up as his replacement for the mega-event, commencing on May 30 in the UK.

Delhi Capitals bowler Chris Morris (C) celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Royal Challengers Bangalore batsmen Parthiv Patel during the 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on April 7, 2019. (AFP)

Nortje overcame ankle and shoulder injuries over the course of the summer before he could make his international debut in March this year. On the basis of his performances, the 25-year-old was selected in South Africa’s World Cup squad.

Unfortunately, Nortje fractured his right thumb while practising in the nets, and it has now been confirmed that he would need six to eight weeks rest to recover fully.

The 32-year-old all-rounder Morris, who has not played an ODI in more than a year, has replaced Nortje in the 15-member squad. Morris is currently playing at the IPL with Delhi Capitals, for whom he has taken 13 wickets in nine games this season.

South Africa Squad: Faf du Plessis (c), JP Duminy, David Miller, Dale Steyn, Andile Phehlukwayo, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius, Quinton de Kock (wk), Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Hashim Amla, Tabraiz Shamsi.