IPL 2021: Delhi Capitals Fast Bowler Anrich Nortje Out Of Quarantine After A False Positive And Three Negative Tests

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has linked up with the Delhi Capitals squad on Friday. The franchise announced that the speedster has joined the team bio-bubble after three negative Covid-19 tests following a now confirmed false positive.

Anrich Nortje, along with 4 other Protea players – Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Lungi Ngidi – missed the first match of their respective teams in IPL 2021 as they were in quarantine post delayed arrival owing to the home matches against Pakistan.

While the rest of the South African players, including his Delhi Capitals teammate, Kagiso Rabada, was released for their second matches, Anrich Nortje remained in isolation as he returned a positive test, and missed the match on Thursday against Rajasthan Royals, which Delhi lost.

Now, the express pacer, who was the fourth-highest wicket-taker last season with 22 scalps, will be available for the Capitals’ clash with Punjab Kings on Sunday.

A couple of days break will give Anrich Nortje the time to get back into the rhythm he was in in the ODIs against Pakistan; the fast bowler steamed in, hit the ball hard on the wicket, and bounced out the Pakistani batters – he picked up 7 wickets in 2 matches. He was one of the key reasons for the Capitals reaching their maiden IPL final last season.

“He’s here. Out South Africa pace superstar is now out of quarantine. After a false positive result for COVID-19, Anrich Nortje tested negative thrice, and is now part of our team bubble. We can’t wait to see him in action,” the franchise’s Twitter handle welcomed Nortje.

Anrich Nortje likely to replace Tom Curran

Anrich Nortje will likely replace Tom Curran in the eleven after the England seamer returned with figures of 0/35 in 3.4 overs against the Royals failing to defend 12 of the last over against Chris Morris.

Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Capitals skipper, lamented the failed execution of his pacers in the death overs where Rabada and Curran conceded 29 runs in 10 balls – all to Chris Morris. This makes Nortje’s inclusion indubitable. A pace-bowling attack comprising of Chris Woakes, Avesh Khan, and the two South African speedsters is mouth-watering.

He's here ?

Our ?? pace superstar is now out of quarantine. After a false positive result for COVID-19, Anrich Nortje tested negative thrice, and is now part of our team bubble.

We can't wait to see him in action ?#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2021 @AnrichNortje02 @TajMahalMumbai pic.twitter.com/8dGh2GlniK

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 16, 2021

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