By Gaurav Tripathi
South African speedster Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the fourth and fifth ODIs against Australia due to lower back spasms, having already missed the third ODI.
Additionally, regular skipper Temba Bavuma will miss the fourth ODI due to a right adductor strain. Veteran batter Aiden Markram will captain South Africa in his absence.
Nortje sustained his injury during the second ODI and was sent for scans in Johannesburg. Later, a statement was released by Cricket South Africa regarding his absence.
The fast bowler has been a crucial part of South Africa's white-ball teams. Nortje has scalped 36 wickets in 22 ODIs at an economy rate of 5.86.
With Australia leading the series 2-1, South Africa must win the upcoming game to stay alive in the series. Hence these changes may affect their morale.