Injured Anrich Nortje out of India Tests

South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the Test series against India due to a persistent injury, the CSA media release confirmed. He will miss all three Tests against India, starting December 26 at Centurion and is believed to be in consultation with the specialists. 

A time frame has been given for his return to the side and no replacement has been named. In his 12 Tests so far, Nortje has picked up 47 wickets at 28.10 since making his debut against India in 2019 in Pune.

His absence gives an opportunity for the likes of Duanne Olivier or Sisanda Magala to stake a claim for a place in the XI.

Olivier, making a comeback in the side following his Kolpak deal, has played 10 Tests for his nation picking up 48 wickets at 19.25. Magala, on the other hand, is yet to make his debut in the longest format but made his debut in ODIs and T20Is earlier this year.

Another option the Proteas might go in for is the left-hand fast option of Marco Jansen, who was part of the Test squad that toured Pakistan earlier this year. He has picked up 16 wickets at 19.6 in the ongoing domestic season so far.

While Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi will lead the bowling attack, the spot for a third seamer now seems to be open with Nortje's injury. 

This is South Africa's first series since their 2-0 win against West Indies in the Caribbean in July.