Proteas to lose two key players ahead of ICC Champions Trophy?

The Proteas could be without two key players ahead of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy which starts next month.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the SA20 and the Champions Trophy due to a back injury. The 31-year-old has not played any international cricket since T20 World Cup 2024.

Proteas have already lost Nortjie for the Champions Trophy

His replacement for the tournament has not been named but many suggest Gerald Coetzee to take his place. Nortjie has only played 22 ODI’s for the Proteas and took 36 wickets in the process. Over the years, injuries have halted his progress, and he only played a handful of matches for the national team in the 12 months.

The Proteas have depth in the bowling department going into the Champions Trophy. Kwena Maphaka, Wayne Parnell, Dane Paterson, and Coetzee could be called to the tournament as replacements.

Another injury concern is Rassie Van Der Dussen. While fielding for the MI Cape Town, the veteran batman suffered a finger injury in SA20 on Wednesday. The Proteas star had to leave the field for a few minutes but was seen later with an ice pack to the ring finger of his right hand.

The Proteas open their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan on 21 February at the National Stadium Karachi in Pakistan. South Africa last won the tournament back in 1998 when it was first launched and have only reached one ICC final since then.

Which bowler should replace Anrich Nortjie?

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