Tearaway quick Anrich Nortje is all set to play ODI cricket again for the first time since September 2023 after being named in South Africa’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Nortje has had a rotten run with injuries in the last couple of years and has not played any cricket for the Proteas since the 2024 T20 World Cup.
The continuous injuries even led to him opting out of South Africa’s central contract. But the 31-year-old, who is currently recovering from a fractured toe, has been drafted right into South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad.
He will be joined in the squad by fellow pacer Lungi Ngidi, who missed the entirety of the South African home summer due to a groin injury.
Temba Bavuma will captain the Proteas in the mega event, and the team’s top order will boast plenty of experience with Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen picked. Tony de Zorzi will complement these players in the top-order while South Africa’s middle-order is stacked, with David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs all picked. Ryan Rickelton, who recently smashed a double ton against Pakistan, has also been picked as a backup batter and wicketkeeper.
Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder are the all-rounders in the squad, while Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj are the spinners. Kagiso Rabada completes the pace attack alongside Nortje and Ngidi.
South Africa are in Group B of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 alongside Afghanistan, Australia and England. They will start their campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21.
Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen