How to pronounce Anrich Nortje: Why is Nortje pronounced as Nokia?

On the back of a sublime third Test double century by David Warner, Australia have grabbed South Africa by the scruff of their neck as early as ‘Day 2’ of the second Test match against South Africa, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Becoming only the second batter to have smashed a double hundred on his 100th Test match, Warner was all over the South African bowlers like a rash, as Australia now find themselves 197 runs ahead of their first innings total of 189/10.

The Proteas bowling line-up was made to toil hard under the scorching Melbourne heat, so much so that Warner was forced to retire hurt moments after reaching the 200-run mark on his 254th delivery of the innings.

WATCH: Anrich Nortje gets hit by the spider cam on ‘Day 2’ of the MCG Test

Despite managing to scalp mere two wickets the entire day, Anrich Nortje was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas as he continued to bowl over 150 clicks even during the post lunch session to make life difficult for the Southpaw batter more than once, although with no luck by his side.

He bowled the inswinging yorkers, the fiery bouncers, and even the thunderbolts targeting the wickets during his four-Over spell, but the 36-year-old managed to survive it all.

How to pronounce Anrich Nortje

Fans of the sport have always had the confusion with regards to the way the South African fast bowler pronounces his name, especially the ‘Nortje’ part.

Interestingly, the 29-year-old had, while playing for the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals during the 2020 edition himself pronounced his name during the Question and Answer session on the franchise’s Instagram handle.

The correct way to pronounce his name is ‘Aana-rikh Norkiya’.

 

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Why is Nortje pronounced as Nokia?

The pronunciation to the second part of the name resembles that of the popular mobile brand name ‘Nokia’. The pronunciation perhaps has to do with the ‘Afrikaans’ accent, which is the most spoken language in Kariega, South Africa – Nortje’s place of birth.