Anrich Nortje ruled out of Cape Town Test against Australia with groin injury

South Africa's premier fast bowler Anrich Nortje will miss the opening Test of the series in Cape Town after a groin injury was confirmed by team doctors. The injury was detected during the warm‑up session ahead of the match against Australia, prompting immediate medical assessment.
Cricket South Africa released a statement confirming that Nortje's condition does not allow him to be match‑fit and that he will undergo a rehabilitation programme before returning to competitive cricket. The board also said a replacement will be named shortly.
The first Test, scheduled to begin on [date], now faces a reshuffle of the South African pace attack, with senior bowlers expected to shoulder the extra workload. Australia, meanwhile, will retain their planned line‑up, hoping to exploit the weakened South African side.
The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, remains crucial for both teams' points tally, and Nortje's absence is viewed as a significant blow to South Africa's bowling depth.
Further updates on Nortje's recovery timeline are expected from the team's medical staff in the coming days.