Chris Morris set to replace Anrich Nortje for World Cup 2019
In the form of any injury to Anrich Nortje, The Proteas have been dealt a severe blow going into the World Cup 2019. Chris Morris, the fast bowling all-rounder is named as the replacement for the injured, Anrich Nortje for World Cup 2019.
THE INCIDENT
During a net session at Port Elizabeth on the 6th of May, Anrich Nortje suffered a fracture to his right thumb. According to the South Africa team manager, Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, Anrich Nortje immediately consulted a hand surgeon and underwent surgery. The tall lanky pacer subsequently requires six to eight weeks to nurse the injury.
THE REPLACEMENT
Chris Morris replaces Anrich Nortje at the mega event. Is he the aptest replacement to the pacer? The answer seems no because Anrich Nortje is a tear away pacer. On the other hand, Chris Morris brings in more to the table as he is a handy lower-order batsman. His death bowling prowess is an asset and he is quite good at wielding the long handle.
When we take numbers to account, Anrich Nortje has played only 4 ODI’s and has picked 8 wickets. On the other hand, Chris Morris hasn’t played an ODI for about a year now.
In IPL 2019, he has picked 13 wickets in 9 games and scored only 32 runs in 6 innings. Having had a below-average season, he would be looking to turn things around at the world cup.
HOW DOES IT AFFECT THE PROTEAS?
The South Africans will surely miss Anrich Nortje’s raw pace and bounce. Their pace battery now houses Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Chris Morris.
Dale Steyn and Rabada plied their trade at the IPL and unfortunately ended up with niggles. Lungi Ngidi had missed the IPL owing to an injury. Chris Morris hasn’t played an ODI for about a year now.
So, any plan of the Proteas to use Nortje as a surprise package has been nullified.
We wish Anrich Nortje a speedy recovery.
READ MORE: South Africa Squad for World Cup 2019- Team Overview
Lakshman is an 18-year-old cricket fanatic. Just like millions of fans, his love for cricket is unparalleled. He has a passion for writing, and his emotion for the sport can be seen in his words.
