Anrich Nortje's Fitness Update Ahead of Bangladesh Test Series
Nortje's Recovery Progress
Johannesburg, South Africa - November 13: Shukri Conrad, the head coach of South Africa, has shared an encouraging fitness update regarding pacer Anrich Nortje as the team prepares for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Conrad confirmed that Nortje is likely to be considered for one of the two Test matches, having made a good recovery from a groin injury he sustained during the home Tests against Australia.
Nortje suffered the injury during the second Test of the recently concluded three-match series against Australia. He has since resumed training in anticipation of the first match against Bangladesh, which is set to begin in Johannesburg this Sunday.
While Conrad acknowledged that the first Test may be too soon for Nortje's return, he is optimistic about the pacer's availability for the second Test at Centurion, scheduled from November 23.
Conrad explained, "He underwent a scan at St George's during the Test match, which showed no serious issues. The injury was not as severe as initially feared and required only some rest and rehabilitation."
"He will definitely be in contention for one of the Test matches, likely the second one. From a medical standpoint, everything looks good, and he has been training effectively. He is gradually increasing his workload and should be ready for the second Test," the coach added.
South Africa boasts a formidable pace lineup, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Wiaan Mulder, and Corbin Bosch, all included in the 15-player squad for the Bangladesh series. Conrad has ruled out the possibility of the team going without a spinner in their bowling attack for the opening match.
The coach also mentioned that he is deliberating between Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza for the crucial number three batting position against Bangladesh, as they are set to replace David Bedingham, who was dropped after the Australia series, despite South Africa's success in moving up to second place in the World Test Championship standings.
"We have experimented with several players in the number three spot, with David being the latest. I want to avoid giving the impression that we are constantly changing this position. That is not the case at all," Conrad stated.
"My goal is to stabilize the batting order. I have heard the term 'ruthless' used, suggesting we are giving players only two or three chances before moving on, but that is not our approach. We need to ensure we have the best players on the field first. We will give these players a fair opportunity and aim to maintain consistency in the top seven until the end of the English tour in early 2027," he concluded.
South Africa's squad includes: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, and Ryan Rickelton.
Series Schedule:
First Test: November 15-19, Johannesburg
Second Test: November 23-27, Centurion.