South Africas Anrich Nortje Set for Return Against Bangladesh in Second Test

Johannesburg, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje is expected to make his return in the second Test against Bangladesh, as confirmed by head coach Shukri Conrad. Nortje sustained a groin injury during the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha. However, scans revealed that the injury was not severe.

The first match of the Test series will take place on November 15 in Johannesburg, followed by the second Test in Centurion starting November 23. After the Tests, both teams will compete in three One Day Internationals and an equal number of T20 matches.

Although Nortje will not be available for the first Test starting Sunday at the Wanderers, Conrad stated that the scans performed at St. George’s showed no significant issues. “The situation is not as dire as initially thought, and he does not require any special treatment—just some rest and rehabilitation,” he explained.

According to reports from Cricinfo, Conrad mentioned that Nortje will likely be available for one of the Tests, particularly the second. “From a medical perspective, there are no problems, and he has recovered well. He has already started training and is gradually increasing his workload to be fully fit by the second Test,” he added.

In Nortje’s absence, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are the leading candidates for the third fast bowler position. Conrad also clarified that Nortje’s return does not mean the team will consist solely of fast bowlers. “What does a completely fast-bowling lineup mean? Will there be four or five bowlers? Even if you field five fast bowlers, someone will miss out on their overs. Wiaan Mulder still provides the option of a specialist spinner through his bowling. In my view, having a fifth fast bowler is pointless because if four cannot dismiss the opposition, a fifth won’t either. Thus, fielding five fast bowlers is out of the question.”

In recent years, spinners have received some assistance on the Wanderers pitch, but forecasts predict wind and storms each day of the Test, potentially benefiting the fast bowlers. Conrad remarked, “This is quite normal. It is very hot here. We just hope the pitch hasn’t been over-prepared or prepared too quickly. It has a good layer of grass. I expect a wicket similar to those at the Wanderers in the past, where there is good pace and balance, as I believe our bowling attack can perform well on such pitches. We can take 20 wickets on good pitches, and we definitely want to give our batsmen every chance to score big.”