Anrich Nortje is set to feature in SA's three-Test series against Australia starting in Durban on Friday. The fast bowler has adopted a gradual approach to rebuild his body, bowling loads, and red-ball skills rather than rushing his comeback. Nortje utilised video analysis and collaborated with Proteas bowling coach Piet Botha to make his action and run-up more sustainable. This careful preparation has been years in the making.
Nortje's return to the longest format has taken longer than he would have liked. The 32-year-old has spent considerable time preparing specifically for the demands of Test cricket, gradually increasing his bowling loads while working on his action and trying to rediscover the consistency he had before stepping away from the game. Nortje has put a lot of focus on trying to execute skills with the red ball and build loads gradually.
The process of rebuilding Nortje's skills has included plenty of work on his own, with Nortje even recording himself bowling to identify areas where he could improve. He has worked with Piet Botha, his bowling coach since his Warriors and EP days, to make his bowling action more repeatable and sustainable. Nortje examined his run-up and the physical demands placed on his body.
Nortje's work has centred on making his bowling action more sustainable, with a focus on technical and physical aspects. He has sent footage of his bowling to Piet Botha for review and has made adjustments accordingly. The early signs have been encouraging, with Nortje saying his action has felt good during both net sessions and spells in the middle.
Nortje was part of the Proteas side who suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Australia in the 2022/2023 season. He says that experience has only added to his motivation ahead of the return series. Nortje is eager to make amends on home soil and rectify the defeat.
The attraction of Test cricket has always gone beyond the physical challenge for Nortje. It is the format which he feels the difficult periods are part of what makes the game rewarding. Nortje has always wanted to play Test cricket and is excited to put his preparation into practice against an Australian side the Proteas know well.
Now Nortje has the opportunity to make an impact against Australia. He has been careful in his preparation and is motivated to perform well. Nortje's return to the Proteas Test cricket squad has been years in the making, and he is eager to make the most of this opportunity.
Key points
- Anrich Nortje returns to SA's Test lineup for series against Australia
- Nortje adopted a gradual approach to rebuild his body, bowling loads, and red-ball skills
- Nortje is motivated to make amends after SA's 2-0 defeat to Australia in 2022/2023 season
