Delhi Capitals have signed fast bowler Anrich Nortje as replacement for Chris Woakes ahead of IPL 2020.

Nortje, 26, has played six Tests, seven ODIs and three T20Is for South Africa since debuting in Johannesburg last year. At Capitals, he will be part of a formidable fast-bowling set-up, joining fellow South African Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Keemo Paul and Mohit Sharma, among others.

English all-rounder Chris Woakes had pulled out of this edition of the IPL to keep himself fresh for the English summer, but will not be able to join the team even after the post-pandemic schedule shuffle after being replaced. Delhi’s INR 1.5 crore acquisition at the auction is also expecting a baby in September.

Nortje had been signed up Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2019 edition before a shoulder injury ruled him out of a maiden appearance in IPL. He subsequently suffered a freak thumb injury and missed the 2019 World Cup as well.

“I am excited to join the Delhi Capitals, a team that was the talk of the tournament last season,” Nortje said in a statement issued by Capitals. “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.”

The 26-year-old has played six Tests for South Africa since making his debut in Pune last September. He becomes the second South African player in the Delhi Capitals set-up, after Kagiso Rabada, and is set to travel along with him in the first week of September on a chartered flight.