After losing Anrich Nortje, South Africa's injury concerns keep getting worse

South Africa's Anrich Nortje, left, celebrates with teammates after taking the catch to dismiss England's Jonny Bairstow during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup cricket match between England and South Africa at Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, Friday, June 21, 2024. AP/PTI

In 2024, South Africa managed to break their semi-final jinx by making it to the finals of the T20 World Cup and the World Test Championship. And even as another edition of SA20 continues to make headlines, with Champions Trophy around the corner South Africa are facing a massive headache. Fast bowling, which has been Proteas biggest strength over the years is suddenly looking thin with at least nine of their premier pacers down with injuries and doubtful for Champions Trophy.

Last week, news emerged that their star pacer Anrich Nortje, who is capable of clocking 150kmph consistently, will miss the Champions Trophy because of a back injury. And now, the latest blow is around Gerald Coetzee, who has been ruled out of the entire SA20 for Joburg Super Kings because of a hamstring injury. Though South Africa are hopeful that he will be fit for the Champions Trophy, it remains race against time for the pace to get fit.

Click here to read article