Anrich Nortje Criticizes Selectors Ahead of ICC World Test Championship Final

Anrich Nortje has expressed his disappointment with South African selectors, claiming he has been available for selection for the past year but has not been chosen for matches. Despite his impressive performance in the ICC T20 World Cup, he has faced exclusion from the team. Nortje also discussed his decision to decline a central contract with Cricket South Africa, focusing on his physical readiness. Currently playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, he has a notable international record. Read on to discover more about his journey and thoughts on the selection process.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2025, 17:49 IST

Nortje's Availability and Selector Decisions

South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has made a surprising revelation just before the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia. He stated that he has been ready to play for the past year, but the selectors have not chosen him for matches.

Nortje last represented South Africa during the ICC T20 World Cup in June of the previous year. Although he has been included in various South African squads since then, he has not had the opportunity to play. Initially, he was part of the ICC Champions Trophy squad, but an injury led to his replacement by Corbin Bosch.

Nortje's Critique of the Selection Process

In an interview with Sportsboom, as reported by Wisden, Nortje expressed his frustration regarding his exclusion from the team. He emphasized that he has been available for selection throughout this period, and his absence from matches is solely due to the selectors' choices.

"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 mentioned.

He added, "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."

Nortje's Performance and Central Contract Decision

Nortje's return to the squad after the T20 World Cup occurred during the home series against Pakistan last year, yet he did not participate in any matches despite a stellar performance at the World Cup, where he took 15 wickets at an economy rate of 5.74, finishing as one of the top wicket-takers alongside India's Jasprit Bumrah.

Last year, he opted not to accept a central contract with Cricket South Africa, a decision he stated was supported by the board, focusing on his physical condition.

"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 explained.

"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."

Current Status in IPL

Currently, Nortje is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2025 season, where he has participated in just one match so far. In his international career, he has achieved impressive statistics: 70 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 26.71, 36 wickets in 22 ODIs at an average of 27.27, and 54 wickets in 42 T20Is at an average of 19.16.