Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of South Africa’s crucial third Test against Australia because of a groin injury. With the series tightly contested at 1-1, the Proteas are yet to announce his replacement for the Cape Town decider.
Nortje exited during his fourth over on the match’s fourth morning at St George’s Park and didn’t return, marking an abrupt halt to his long-awaited return to Test cricket. Prior to his selection in Durban, Nortje had been absent from the format for over three and a half years, where he bowled a total of 40 overs, claiming two wickets in each innings.
Although there were initial considerations to rest him for the next match in Gqeberha, his performance in the first Test convinced South Africa to retain him in the XI. In hindsight, captain Temba Bavuma admitted it was a “risk,” taking into account Nortje’s prior injury setbacks.
The extent of the recovery period is still undetermined, though reports suggest the injury might not be as severe as first thought. In the meantime, South Africa face a dilemma in selecting his replacement. Gerald Coetzee, who hasn’t played a Test in nearly two years, all-rounder Corbin Bosch, and Cape Town native Dane Paterson are all potential candidates to bolster the pace attack. Alternatively, left-arm spinner and all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy offers another option.
South Africa’s squad remains largely consistent with the batting line-up unchanged from Gqeberha. Several other players are also dealing with injuries. Lungi Ngidi is anticipated to recover from a hamstring injury in time for the Bangladesh series next month. Similarly, Ottneil Baartman has returned to play, claiming four wickets for just 12 runs in a recent domestic T20 game.
However, updates are still awaited on the fitness of young left-arm quick Kwena Maphaka and batsman Tony de Zorzi, both having sustained injuries in recent games.
The final Test of this gripping series kicks off on Tuesday.
