South Africa have suffered an injury setback ahead of the third and final Test against Australia, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out after sustaining a mild groin injury. The series is level at 1-1, and no replacement has been named ahead of the decisive encounter.
Nortje suffered the injury during the fourth morning of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. He left the field midway through his fourth over and spent the remainder of the match in the dressing room, bringing an early end to his return to Test cricket.
The injury is a setback for Nortje, who had gone more than three-and-a-half years without playing a red-ball match before returning for the opening Test against Australia in Durban. He delivered an encouraging performance in that match, bowling 40 overs and claiming four wickets across Australia’s two innings.
South Africa had initially considered resting Nortje for the second Test, but his successful return in Durban convinced the team management to select him again. Captain Temba Bavuma later admitted that the decision involved a degree of risk because of the fast bowler’s history of injuries.
Although Nortje will miss the series decider, the injury is understood to be less serious than initially feared. However, his recovery timeline remains unclear, leaving South Africa to assess his availability for upcoming international commitments.
The hosts now have several options to replace Nortje in their pace attack. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the leading candidates, with all three having remained with the squad throughout the series.
Coetzee could be considered for a return to Test cricket after an extended absence from the format. Bosch offers an all-round option, while Paterson could provide experience and familiarity with conditions in Cape Town, where the final Test is scheduled to take place.
South Africa could also consider left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy if they decide to adjust the balance of their attack. However, the team management is expected to retain the same batting lineup that featured in the second Test.
The Proteas will be encouraged by their performance in Gqeberha, where they defeated Australia by an innings and 34 runs to level the series. Temba Bavuma scored a career-best 179, while Marco Jansen took five wickets in Australia’s first innings and Wiaan Mulder played a decisive role in the second.
South Africa are also monitoring the fitness of several other players ahead of a busy international summer. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is expected to return next month after suffering a hamstring injury during domestic first-class cricket, potentially making him available for the Bangladesh series.
Ottneil Baartman has already returned to action for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition, taking four wickets for 12 runs after recovering from a hamstring problem. Meanwhile, there is no confirmed return date for young left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka or batter Tony de Zorzi, who also suffered a hamstring injury.
With the series tied, South Africa must now finalise their bowling combination without Nortje. The third Test will provide an opportunity for another fast bowler to step up as the Proteas look to maintain their momentum and secure a series victory against Australia.
