South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been recruited by the Delhi Daredevils for the 2020 Indian Premier League.
Nortje has replaced England all-rounder Chris Woakes, who has withdrawn from the tournament.
“I am excited to join the Delhi Capitals, a team that was the talk of the tournament last season,” he said on the franchise's official website.
“With its exciting mix of experienced and young players and a stellar coaching line-up, there is no doubt this is going to be a massive learning experience for me. I am grateful to the Delhi Capitals management for giving me this opportunity.”
Right-armer Nortje was meant to play for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2019 IPL. He, however, missed the tournament due to injury.
The 26-year-old Nortje has played six Tests, seven ODIs and three T20Is for the Proteas since debuting in 2019.
He will be accompanied by fellow Proteas star Kagiso Rabada, England batsman Jason Roy and Australian pair Alex Carey and Marcus Stoinis at the Capitals. The franchise used to be called the Delhi Daredevils. They are coached by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
Delhi have never won the IPL. The Mumbai Indians are the reigning champions – and have won the title four times. The Chennai Super Kings have three IPL titles. They lost to Mumbai in the 2019 final.
Why Woakes Withdrew
Woakes withdrew from the IPL earlier this year. He had also previously represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL – and Sydney Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League.
“I just feel like I'd been on a bit of a treadmill and I needed to get off for a bit of a breather. From a mental point of view it's about recharging those batteries,” he said at the time.
“The IPL is great but I've been there and done it. That's not to say I don't want to do it again but at this moment England is the most important thing to me, as well as spending time at home with the family where I can.”
Woakes starred with the ball during England's Test series victory over the West Indies last month. More recently, he performed well with the bat in England's first Test win over Pakistan in Manchester.
