Kagiso Rabada's absence opens Proteas door for Gerald Coetzee, but Anrich Nortje kept on ice

South Africa's Proteas coach Shukri Conrad has kept the ODI door ajar for the return of Anrich Nortje, despite the fast bowler's absence from the 16-player squad heading into their upcoming series against Australia. With star pace bowler Kagiso Rabada sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Conrad is actively seeking a boost of pace for the series.

Nortje, who last played against Australia in 2023, is currently plying his trade for Rotterdam Dockers in the ETPL, though he has recently claimed a T20 five-wicket haul. However, Conrad believes Nortje needs more match practice before he can fully step back into the Proteas ODI fold. Instead, the coach has opted to recall Gerald Coetzee for the Australian series.

Coetzee, who has also been sidelined by injuries since the 2023 World Cup, where he took over Nortje's ODI spot, is currently part of South Africa A. Conrad is confident that the 25-year-old is injury-free and ready to go. "He's been active, played a four-day match for the A-side and has some overs under his belt in a rained-out game," Conrad remarked.

"He's on track, so I'm really pleased with where he's at." Coetzee's recall is part of Conrad's strategy to strengthen South Africa's pace attack ahead of the next year's Tests. Meanwhile, Rabada's progress remains a key concern. Conrad notes that the all-rounder is making steady improvement but remains out of the ODIs, making his return contingent on his rehabilitation and medical reports.