Fast bowler Nortje out of South Africa CWC squad, Morris in

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje broke his right thumb in a freak accident and was ruled out of the Cricket World Cup. He was replaced by allrounder Chris Morris in the 15-man squad.

Nortje was hurt on Monday while practicing in the nets in Port Elizabeth. He underwent surgery to stabilize the joint, and will be sidelined for up to eight weeks, South Africa manager Mohammed Moosajee said on Tuesday.

South Africa opens the World Cup on May 30 against host England at The Oval.

Nortje made his one-day international debut in March against Sri Lanka.

Morris played the Sri Lankans, too, in the Twenty20 series. His last ODI was in February 2018. He has been appearing in the ongoing Indian Premier League, helping the Delhi Capitals reach the playoffs by taking 13 wickets in nine matches.

"He has the pace and death-bowling skills which will be vital in the U.K., and also gives us that depth as a deadly finisher with the bat," national selection panel convener Linda Zondi said. "We have had concerns around his injuries and workload capabilities but this is an opportunity for him to make a mark on the biggest stage."

___

More AP Cricket: www.apnews.com/cricket and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports