South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out of Champions Trophy with back injury

South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy with a back injury.

The 31-year-old was initially named in the Proteas’ 15-man squad for the 50-over tournament in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.

However, a scan on Monday revealed the extent of the injury and a Cricket South Africa statement confirmed Nortje is not expected to recover in time to feature in the eight-team competition.

Nortje, who played most recently in the Abu Dhabi T10 in December, will also miss the remainder of the SA20 franchise tournament, where he was due to play for the Pretoria Capitals.

South Africa begin their Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on 21 February and will name a replacement for Nortje.