From Sportstar · Reuters · · 1m 40s
Nortje aims Test return after injury gap
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje targets Test comeback against Australia after four-year absence.
In brief
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje targets Test comeback against Australia after four-year absence. South Africa’s fast bowler Anrich Nortje plans to return to Test cricket for the first time since March 2023 after recovering from injuries. Originally reported by Sportstar.
Nortje eyes Test return
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje could make a remarkable return to first-class cricket after an absence of almost four years to help an injury-hampered South Africa attack in the first Test against Australia, which starts in Durban on Friday.
Injury setbacks delay Nortje
With fitness doubts over pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada and three other bowlers ruled out with hamstring injuries, Nortje is set to return to red-ball cricket for the first time since South Africa’s Test victory over West Indies in March 2023.
Nortje’s red-ball focus
The 32-year-old has evolved into a T20 specialist, but says he has been working on his red-ball skills to build loads gradually and in the right way.
Nortje’s training commitment
He told reporters on Sunday he had been working on his red-ball skills for quite some time to upskill again and improve from where he left off.
Nortje’s Test motivation
Nortje said he would be very excited to put his test cap on again, as it is the format he grew up with and the motivation when he trains.
Nortje’s injury history
Nortje has featured in 19 Tests with a bowling average of 26.71 and regularly bowled at speeds in excess of 145kph, with his action taking a heavy toll on his body.
Nortje’s team readiness
South Africa will cut their preliminary squad from 18 to 15, with Nortje expected to make the cut despite his lengthy absence.
The takeaway
South Africa’s fast bowler Anrich Nortje plans to return to Test cricket for the first time since March 2023 after recovering from injuries.
