Chris Morris replaces Anrich Nortje in South Africa's CWC19 squad
Nortje, who fractured his right thumb while practising in the nets, will need six to eight weeks to make a full recovery. The 25-year-old had made his one-day international debut in March this year against Sri Lanka and impressed by picking up 8 wickets from four games at an average of 18.75.
"Anrich sustained a fracture to his right thumb during a net session in Port Elizabeth on Monday," Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee said. "He immediately consulted a hand surgeon and underwent surgery to stabilise the joint and will unfortunately be side-lined for up to eight weeks. This makes him unavailable for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup."
- Dale Steyn
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) May 3, 2019
- Anrich Nortje
- Lungi Ngidi
And now Kagiso Rabada⁉️
Injury concerns continue to mount for South Africa's pace attack ⬇️https://t.co/sHE3mqiNJ1
"It is an unfortunate and freakish injury, especially because he had made a successful recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka. He has had a few injury setbacks in the last year but knowing Anrich’s character, he will be motivated to come back stronger. We wish him a speedy recovery."
All-rounder Chris Morris has been named in the squad in Nortje's place. Morris last played an ODI in February 2018 and is currently a part of the Delhi Capitals side in the Indian Premier League, for whom he has picked up 13 wickets this season. Morris was also a part of South Africa's T20I squad in the Sri Lanka series at home in March.
"Chris has always been in our plans and is our next best option with the ball,” explained Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel convener, Linda Zondi. "He has the pace and death-bowling skills which will be vital in the UK, and also gives us that depth as a deadly finisher with the bat. We have had concerns around his injuries and workload capabilities but this is an opportunity for him to make a mark on the biggest stage.
"It is unfortunate what has happened to Anrich, he is a talented player with exciting potential. We wish him well on his road to recovery and have no doubt that he will bounce back to fulfil his potential," he concluded.