Confirmed: Nortjé out of third Test against Aussies … who’ll step in?
The selectors have a number of options, with fast bowlers, spinners and all-rounders in the larger squad.
Anrich Nortjé, the fast bowler, is set to miss the third Test against Australia starting in Cape Town on Tuesday due to a mild groin injury sustained during the first Test. The series is currently tied at 1-1 after Australia won the first Test in Durban and the Proteas secured a victory in the second Test in Gqeberha. No replacement has been named for Nortjé yet.
Coach Shukri Conrad will evaluate their options for the upcoming third Test once they have assessed the Newlands pitch and analyzed potential weather conditions. Gerald Coetzee, an all-rounder, and Corbin Bosch are two likely candidates to replace Nortjé. Dane Paterson, a Proteas home player, could also be considered, and Conrad and Coetzee may also opt for an additional spinner by recalling Keshav Maharaj, who did not participate in the second Test.
Senuran Muthusamy, another squad member, will also be available for the third Test. The Proteas batters who played in Gqeberha are expected to return for the third Test. The team will have a rest day on Saturday before resuming training on Sunday.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
