South African pacer Anrich Nortje on Tuesday said that he is finally happy to be back on the field after almost six months of break. Last week, Delhi Capitals named Nortje as the replacement of the England all-rounder Chris Woalkes for IPL 2020.
Nortje said that he felt like “locked in prison” during his time away from the field due to coronavirus.
“It’s good to be out and on the grass, and not on the balcony. I can’t explain, but it feels like I’ve been locked up in prison for some days, so it’s great to be outside,” Nortje told media.
“I tried to take it easy on the first day. It will be more intense slowly but surely over the next few days. But it was so great to be bowling in an actual square,” he added.
The 26-year-old was a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise last year but failed to make his debut due to his shoulder injury.
But this year, he has joined Delhi Capitals and also started training with his teammates in the UAE under the guidance of Ricky Ponting. He will play alongside his fellow countrymen Kagiso Rabada who is the frontline pacer of the side.
“It’s a bit surreal to be out here, and with the Delhi Capitals. I was a late replacement, and till the time I sat on the plane I wasn’t sure if things were really happening,” Nortje said.
Nortje made his international debut against India in 2019 and so far played 6 Tests, 7 ODIs and 3 T20Is. He will also make his IPL debut in upcoming season starting from September 19.
