Anrich Nortje ruled out of South Africa’s Test decider

Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been sidelined for the third and final Test against Australia in Cape Town after suffering a mild groin injury in Gqeberha. The injury occurred during the second Test, where Nortje managed only 3.3 overs in the first innings before leaving the field. Despite his absence, South Africa successfully leveled the series with an innings and 31-run victory. The deciding Test at Newlands is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 31. Although it did not hamper South Africa’s quest for a series-levelling victory, which they achieved by an innings and 31 runs, he took no further part in the contest.

With the series currently tied at 1-1, South Africa has named an otherwise unchanged squad for the upcoming encounter. Nortje’s absence leaves the selectors with several options to bolster the four-man pace attack, including Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, and Dane Paterson. Furthermore, the team maintains the option to bring back left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who was excluded from the previous match in favor of off-spinner Simon Harmer.

The squad also continues to feature Kyle Verreynne as the backup wicket-keeper. Verreynne had been omitted from the playing XI for the second Test as Ryan Rickelton took over behind the stumps and adjusted his position in the batting lineup.