Temba Bavuma is set to lead South Africa at the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The Proteas, looking to win their second Champions Trophy since winning the inaugural edition in 1998, will be without pacer Anrich Nortje who has been ruled out.
The return of pace bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje was the biggest headline for South Africa after they announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 nearly 10 days ago. However, the Proteas have suffered a major blow with Nortje being ruled-out for the tournament.
The 31-year-old, who returned to the ODI format for South Africa for the first time since September 2023, has been ruled out again due to a back injury after undergoing scans. Nortje had also missed the Cricket World Cup 2023 in India because of a similar problem. South Africa are yet to name an official replacement for replacement for Nortje.
Injuries galore for South Africa
A possible replacement option for Nortje, Gerald Coetzee didn’t make the initial squad but he has also picked up a hamstring issue playing for Joburg Super Kings in the SA20. However, his selection remains in contention and the final call on Coetzee will be taken depending on his recovery by the first week of February.
