Nortje prepares for possible Test return against Australia

Anrich Nortje is preparing for a possible return to South Africa’s Test team for its series against Australia, after being included in the preliminary squad. The fast bowler has been rebuilding his red-ball workload, but his final selection and whether he will play remain undecided. South Africa’s three-Test series is scheduled to begin in Durban on October 9. The selectors are due to reduce the 18-player preliminary squad to 15, a step that will determine whether Nortje remains available for the series but will not itself confirm his place in the team for the first Test. Nortje last played Test cricket against the West Indies in March 2023. His return would mark his first opportunity in the format since then. Injuries have affected South Africa’s pace attack, creating a possible opening, though reports do not establish Nortje’s current fitness or ability to sustain the demands of Test cricket. Nortje said he had been preparing with the red ball for some time, gradually building his bowling workload and working to sharpen his skills. He has been working with bowling coach Piet Botha on aspects of his action and technique.