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Key Points

Anrich Nortje has made a surprising revelation that he was available for South Africa but wasn't selected despite being fit. The fast bowler last played for his country in the 2023 T20 World Cup. He declined a central contract to manage his workload but insists he was ready to play. Nortje is currently featuring for KKR in the IPL while awaiting a national team recall.

Key Points: Anrich Nortje Claims South Africa Selectors Ignored His Availability

  • Nortje says he was fit but not picked for key series
  • Last played for SA in T20 WC 2023
  • Declined central contract for workload management
  • Currently playing IPL for KKR
3 min read

They haven't pressed on my button...: Nortje's bombshell statement on South Africa's selection ahead of WTC final

South African pacer Anrich Nortje reveals he was available for selection but overlooked by selectors ahead of the WTC final against Australia.

"I have been available to play for the country, but they have not pressed on my button – Anrich Nortje"

Johannesburg, May 16

South African pacer Anrich Nortje dropped a bombshell statement ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia, saying that he has been available to play for the last year, but the selectors have not "pressed on my button".

Nortje last wore South African colours in the ICC T20 World Cup in June last year. Since then, he has been a part of South African squads but has not gotten game time. He was also initially featured in the ICC Champions Trophy squad, but an injury meant he was ruled out and replaced by Corbin Bosch.

Speaking on Sportsboom as quoted by Wisden, Nortje revealed that he has infact been available for selection all this time and his omission from the matches is simply down to selectors not picking him.

"I have been available for the last year, from before the World Cup to December, and only got selected again in December to play," he said.

"There were a few series I was not picked for, mostly to give opportunities to others. So, from my side, I have been available to play for the country, but they have not pressed on my button," he added.

Nortje's return to the squad after T20 WC came during the home series against Pakistan last year, but he did not get any matches despite having a brilliant run at the showpiece event, with 15 scalps at an economy of 5.74, ending as the joint-second-highest wicket-taker with Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah.

Last year, Nortje had declined a central contract with Cricket South Africa, but said that the board backed his decision, and it was about his body.

"It was my decision. It was just to see how my body goes. I had not 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 am 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 is 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.

Currently, Nortje is representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025, where he has played just one match so far. In international cricket, he has taken 70 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 26.71, 36 scalps in 22 ODIs at an average of 27.27, and 54 wickets in 42 T20Is at an average of 19.16.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
As an Indian cricket fan, I feel Nortje's frustration. He's a world-class bowler who performed brilliantly in the T20 WC. Selectors should value experience, especially before big tournaments like WTC final. Hope he gets his chance soon! 🤞 #RespectForNortje
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Priya M.
Interesting situation. On one hand, he declined central contract citing body management, now says he was available. Selectors might have taken his contract decision as lack of commitment. Tough call for both parties.
V
Vikram S.
His stats speak for themselves - 70 Test wickets at 26.71 is brilliant! SA could really use his pace against Australia. Remember how he troubled our Indian batsmen in past series. Hope selectors reconsider before WTC final.
A
Anjali P.
Maybe this is karma for all the times he destroyed our batting lineup! 😅 Jokes aside, professional sportsmen deserve transparency from selectors. If he was truly available, they owe him an explanation.
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Sanjay D.
This shows how T20 leagues are affecting international cricket. Players want flexibility, boards want commitment. Difficult balance to maintain. BCCI should take note before similar situations arise with our players.
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Neha R.
His performance with KKR hasn't been great this IPL - maybe selectors are looking at current form? Though Test cricket is different format. Tough call but WTC final is too important to take risks.

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