South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the second Test against the West Indies due to “mild groin discomfort.” South Africa won the first Test by 87 runs, but Nortje’s injury is a blow to the team’s hopes of building on that success. South Africa will now have only three specialist seamers: Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Marco Jansen, as well as all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and a trio of spinners to choose from at the Wanderers.
With Nortje ruled out, Senuran Muthusamy played as a batting allrounder at SuperSport Park, but Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer will also come into contention for the XI. South Africa could also give the spot to Mulder, who last played a Test in England, or include an extra batter in the second Test, with Ryan Rickelton the most obvious choice.
The first Test was also the final one for bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, who was the only member of the support staff from the Mark Boucher era to carry over into Shukri Conrad’s tenure. Langeveldt is taking up a role with the Punjab Kings at the IPL and will be replaced by former Warriors coach Piet Botha in the national set-up. Langeveldt was due to be involved with the national squad for this entire Test series but has been released for personal reasons.
South Africa is currently out of contention for the World Test Championship final after defeats in England and Australia. The team will be hoping to secure a series win against the West Indies to improve their ranking and end the season on a high note.
Nortje’s absence is a major loss for South Africa, as he has been one of their most consistent performers in recent times. The team will need to adjust their game plan without him and find a way to overcome his absence. The second Test against West Indies will be a crucial match for both teams, with South Africa looking to build momentum and West Indies aiming to level the series.