South Africa suffered a massive blow ahead of the three-Test series versus India as Anrich Nortje, one of their premier quicks, has been ruled out due to a persistent hip injury.

“Proteas bowler, Anrich Nortje, has been ruled out of the three-match Test series against India due to a persistent injury. He has unfortunately not recovered adequately for the expected Test-match bowling loads and is currently consulting with specialists to manage and advise on his recovery,” Cricket South Africa (CSA) said in a release on Tuesday.

There will not be any replacement in the South Africa squad.

Nortje, having represented the Proteas in 12 Tests, as many ODIs and 16 T20Is so far, has been the Proteas’ leading bowler in Tests this year with 25 scalps from five matches. Besides, his stint for Delhi Capitals in the IPL has also given him a little bit of idea about the strengths and weaknesses of some of the Indian batsmen.

South Africa, however, remain optimistic about the 28-year-old pacer’s comeback in the ODI series that begins on January 19 next year. The Test series gets underway on Sunday at the Supersport Park in Centurion.

With Nortje unavailable, it’s a good opportunity now for Duanne Olivier to make a comeback in the South African XI after his return from the Kolpak system. Olivier has been the leading wicket-taker in the South African first-class competition with 28 wickets at an average of 11.14.

He is likely to bowl alongside Kagiso Rabada and either Lungi Ngidi, who last played in July, or the uncapped left-armer Marco Jansen.