Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje is set to play Test cricket for the first time in almost three years when the Australian Test series gets underway. Nortje has been playing solely white-ball cricket, bowling a maximum quota of four overs in leagues around the world. The 32-year-old was called up by Proteas coach Shukri Conrad for the high-profile Test series against the No. 1-ranked Australians. Conrad believes Nortje still possesses genuine raw pace that can strike fear into the opposition.
The Proteas are currently experiencing a fast-bowling injury 'pandemic,' with Kagiso Rabada doubtful and Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman, and Nandre Burger all currently sidelined. This has created an opportunity for Nortje to return to the Test team. Conrad said he has been in conversation with Nortje for a while and was impressed with his availability for all formats. Nortje indicated his desire to be available for Test cricket as early as the T20 World Cup.
Conrad expressed confidence in Nortje's ability to sustain the intensity of Test cricket, citing his professionalism and pedantic approach to training. Nortje has kept Conrad informed about his loads and intensity, and Conrad is comfortable that he has done the necessary work. However, Conrad was cautious about Rabada's availability for the first Test, stating that his premier spearhead's availability would be dependent on how he fares in a two-day intra-squad match.
The first Test against Australia is set to start at Kingsmead on October 9. The Proteas have named an 18-player preliminary squad, which includes Nortje. Conrad emphasized the importance of being smart about Rabada's selection and not making a call based on desperation. The coach will take into account Rabada's feelings, injury status, and ability to match the intensity required of a Test match.
Nortje has had a variety of injuries ranging from back stress fractures to hip and toe ailments. However, Conrad is confident that he has done all the necessary work to return to Test cricket. The Proteas coach will assess Nortje's performance in the upcoming matches and decide whether a Test match is the best introduction back into the international fold.
The Proteas have elevated themselves to World Test Champions since Nortje last played Test cricket. The team has played 13 more Tests during this period, and Conrad believes Nortje's inclusion can add value to the team. Nortje's genuine raw pace can be a game-changer for the Proteas, and Conrad is excited to assess him in the Test series.
The preliminary Proteas Men's Squad for the 1st Test against Australia includes Temba Bavuma, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Kyle Verreynne.
Key points
- Anrich Nortje set to return to Test cricket after almost three years.
- Proteas coach Shukri Conrad confident in Nortje's ability to sustain Test cricket intensity.
- Kagiso Rabada's availability for the first Test uncertain due to injury.
