“Not bothered about who is the fastest” – Anrich Nortje’s statement on Umran Malik

The five-match T20I series between India and South Africa is underway. With the home team losing the first two matches badly. But in the third game, India bounced back in a grand fashion and won the match by 48 runs. However, it is still South Africa who are leading by 2-1 and need one victory to win the series.

But India looked in great rhythm in the last game and will look to carry on. It means with every match, this series is going towards an exciting end. However, India has stuck with the same team in all three games and a few players are still warming the bench. One of the most exciting players among those is pace machine Umran Malik.

The 22-year-old has caught the attention of the world with his speed and ability to bowl at a regular speed of over 150 km/h. Although the visitors also have a few speedsters that can also bowl over 150 km/h regularly. Anrich Notrje is the fastest South African pacer among the current lot. But he has some different views on Umran.

“If he gets faster, great for him” – Anrich Nortje on Umran Malik

Nortje was also part of the Delhi Capitals in the recently concluded Indian Premier League. For the first time since the injury, he is playing for the first time in this series for the national team. So far, he has picked up three wickets in three matches.

On the other hand, Umran hasn’t got his first game and everyone is excited to see him bowling fast for India. In a press conference ahead of the fourth match, Nortje said, 

“Yeah, at this stage, I am not bothered about who is the fastest (bowler). Not really bothered about it who is the fastest and what the speed gun is, it is about contributing for the team. Umran Malik very good bowler, very fast bowler. He has shown what he can do. If he gets faster, great for him. If I get faster, great for me. I do not think we are at the stage where we are competing to bowl the fastest ball, it is about winning games and trying to contribute.” 

The South African pacer also spoke about his fitness. He said that he is still recovering and is not 100-percent fit. He also added that he is trying to get to 100 percent as soon as possible before the World Cup starts. Nortje also discussed the bench strength.

He said that Lungi Ngidi is also on the line and waiting for his first game. Both teams will now lock horns on Friday, June 117 at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.