Test Cricket Return
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje returns to South Africa squad for Australia Test series.
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Nortje last played a first-class match in March 2023, when he faced the West Indies; since April 2023, he has not bowled more than five overs in a single competitive match.
2
Nortje is South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the Men’s T20 World Cup, with 38 wickets in 21 matches; his 4 for 7 against Sri Lanka at the 2024 tournament is the best return by a South African in the competition.
3
Nortje said he has been recording himself more often to assess his bowling, identify areas to improve and work on his alignment and action.
4
Nortje played in all three Tests on South Africa’s 2022–23 tour of Australia, taking seven wickets in a series South Africa lost 2–0.
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been named in the country's 18-man preliminary squad for a three-Test World Test Championship series against Australia starting October 9. DailyHunt reports that Nortje, who hasn't played a Test since 2023, is preparing for his first red-ball appearance in nearly two years after recovering from severe back injuries and focusing heavily on T20 cricket.
The 30-year-old fast bowler said he has been "recording myself more often to assess my bowling" and working on his alignment with coach Piet Botha. Newsable notes that Nortje's preparation has been "focused on red-ball cricket" well before his official squad recall, signaling his serious intent to compete in the demanding Test format.
Two Years Away From Test Cricket
Nortje's last Test appearance came in 2023 against the West Indies. DailyHunt reports that since April 2023, he has not bowled more than five overs in any single competitive match. His career was derailed by recurring back injuries that forced a lengthy rehabilitation period and a pivot toward the shorter T20 format, where workload is easier to manage.
T20 Success Sets High Bar for Return
While sidelined from Test cricket, Nortje has dominated white-ball cricket. Devdiscourse highlights that he is South Africa's leading wicket-taker at the Men's T20 World Cup with 38 wickets in 21 matches. His 4 for 7 against Sri Lanka at the 2024 tournament stands as the best return by any South African in T20 World Cup history.
Experience Against Australia Gives Him Edge
Nortje brings previous experience facing Australia at Test level. DailyHunt notes he played in all three Tests during South Africa's 2022-23 tour of Australia, taking seven wickets despite the series loss of 2-0. That familiarity with Australian conditions and top-order batsmen could prove valuable in his comeback bid.
Rebuilding Workload for Demands of Tests
Nortje's biggest challenge will be ramping up his bowling volume. In Test cricket, fast bowlers typically bowl 20-30 overs per match across five days. Newsable reports he has been "gradually rebuilding his workload" under Botha's guidance, working specifically on his bowling action and alignment. The question remains whether he will be fully match-fit in time for the series opener on October 9.
Sentiment
Mostly PositiveNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
15
Articles
26
Reach
41
A
AnonymousAuthor
