South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup due a fracture sustained in his right thumb. All-rounder Chris Morris has been named as his replacement.

Nortje (25) will need six to eight weeks to make a full recovery according to SA team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

“Anrich sustained a fracture to his right thumb during a net session in Port Elizabeth on Monday. He immediately consulted a hand surgeon and underwent surgery to stabilise the joint and will unfortunately be side-lined for up to eight weeks. This makes him unavailable for the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup."

“It is an unfortunate and freakish injury, especially because he had made a successful recovery from the shoulder injury he sustained during the series against Sri Lanka. He has had a few injury setbacks in the last year but knowing Anrich’s character, he will be motivated to come back stronger. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

All-rounder Chris Morris, part of Delhi Capitals squad in Indian Premier League, has been named to replace Nortje in the squad.