Anrich Nortje has made his return for the South Africa National Team in the Tests for the series against Australia. Australia is currently in South Africa for a multi-format series against the Proteas. The home team has so far dominated the visitors in the three-match ODI series and claimed the series by two consecutive wins, with one more match to be played.
As South Africa is looking strong against the Australian cricket team, they will kick off the much-anticipated three-match Test series with sheer confidence.
But red-ball cricket is a different ball game compared to limited-overs cricket. Ahead of the Test series, the Proteas have added their express fast bowler Anrich Nortje to their provisional 18-man squad.
Anrich Nortje is one step away from his Test return
The addition of Nortje might have surprised many, as the pacer did not play a Test match for three years and did not feature in a First-Class match for three years as well. Someone who has been out of red-ball cricket for a long time- why did the team management think the addition would be suitable for the team?
Addressing the media, the head of the South Africa National Team, Shukri Conrad, mentioned that they were in continuous conversation, as the bowler himself wished to represent the national cricket team in all formats. The Proteas might have sensed that the Test series against Australia could be the best possible stage to bring back one of their fast bowlers.
Shukri Conrad explains why they brought back Anrich Nortje for Tests
As there is an opportunity to make some changes in the Test team, the team management immediately included Anrich Nortje in the possible squad for the Test series against Australia.
“I didn’t have to say much to get Anrich back in. We have been in conversation for a while. He indicated as far back as the last T20 World Cup that he was still available for all formats. It is an opportunity to get him involved as early as possible. We will assess where he is and how we go from here,” the head coach said.
South Africa is dealing with multiple injury setbacks
Shukri Conrad believed that a bowler like Anrich Nortje could help the team in big times with his sheer pace and years of experience playing at the highest level of the game. But before adding him straight into the main team, the management will have to assess the workload management.
“It is great to have his calibre and pace available. We will monitor him in the week and make decisions based on that. Anrich is as professional and pedantic as they come. He keeps detailed spreadsheets about his workloads. There are workloads, and then there is the intense nature of bowling in international cricket – we have to measure that up,” Conrad added.
The South Africa cricket team will have to make some forced changes in the Test team because of multiple injury issues. Seamers Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka and Lungi Ngidi are not selected due to their hamstring injuries.
Source: cricketaddictor.com
