Anrich Nortje on not playing for South Africa regularly: ‘They haven't pressed on my button'
South Africa's Anrich Nortje is one of the quickest bowlers going around in world cricket. Not only is he quick, but he also has the skills to move the ball in both directions at his nasty pace. However, as it always happens with fast bowlers, Nortje has had his fair share of issues with injuries in the last year. In fact, after the 2024 T20 World Cup co-hosted in the West Indies and the USA, he has not been seen in a Proteas jersey. Although he was picked in the squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, he was once again not fit, and for the upcoming World Test Championship, he has not been named in the squad.
'I've been available for the last year, from before the World Cup to December, and only got selected again in December to play,' Nortje said, speaking to Sports Boom. 'There were a few series I wasn't picked for, mostly to give opportunities to others. So, from my side, I've been available to play for the country, but they haven't pressed on my button,' he added. Nortje was picked up for the series against Pakistan in the white-ball leg however, he warmed the bench.
Interestingly, Nortje has also backed out of taking a CSA contract. 'It was my decision. It was just to see how my body goes. I hadn't had a stress fracture since 2010 and I just had a little bit of 'nervy' in the back, so I just wanted to take the time to play when I can, play when I know I'm ready, rather than having to play every series or every whatever is coming up,' he said.
'So to make that decision on my own, according to my body, has been good so far. Still happy with the decision, and it's more just for me to have the calmness and to know that, if I need a break for a week, if I need a break for a month, then I can do that,' he added.
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