Anrich Nortje Set to Miss Wanderers Opener, Conrad Confirms Centurion Return Target

South Africa’s fast-bowling spearhead Anrich Nortje will miss the opening Test against Bangladesh at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, scheduled from November 15 to 19. The 32-year-old sustained a groin injury during the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha and was subsequently ruled out of the remaining two matches in that series. He is, however, expected to be available for selection when South Africa face Bangladesh at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23 to 27.

Head coach Shukri Conrad provided the update on Thursday, explaining that medical scans taken during the Australia Test indicated the injury was less serious than initially feared. The results clarified Nortje’s condition and established a timeline for his return to competitive cricket.

“He went for the scan at St George’s during the Test match, and it revealed nothing sinister. It wasn’t as bad as initially anticipated and didn’t require anything out of the ordinary either, just a little bit of rest and then some rehab,” Conrad said.

How is Nortje progressing in his recovery?

Nortje has already started his rehabilitation programme and is gradually increasing his training load ahead of the second Test. Conrad expressed confidence that the paceman would be fit and ready for selection by that stage of the series.

“He’ll definitely be in the frame for one of the Test matches here, possibly the second one. From a medical point of view, there was nothing wrong, and he’s recovered well. He’s started training early enough. He’s building up his loads as we speak and he should be good to go by the second Test,” Conrad added.

Nortje’s availability would strengthen South Africa’s fast-bowling resources, which currently feature Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. The 15-member squad is led by captain Temba Bavuma, with Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza back in the side. South Africa head into the Bangladesh series following a 2-1 Test series victory over Australia.

What is Conrad’s view on the pace attack composition?

Conrad also discussed the make-up of South Africa’s pace attack and the balance required within the squad. He shared his thoughts on the ideal number of fast bowlers and the role of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the team’s strategy.

“What’s a full pace attack? Is it four or five? Even if you go with five quicks, someone’s not going to bowl his overs,” Conrad said.

He further explained Mulder’s contribution to the team and why a fifth seamer would not be included in the starting XI.

“What Wiaan does, in particular with the ball now, is that he gives you the luxury of playing a specialist spinner. A fifth seamer, for me, is a bit of a waste because if the four aren’t going to bowl a side out, trust me, the fifth one’s not going to do that. There’ll be no temptation to play five seamers,” Conrad added.

What are Conrad’s expectations for the Wanderers pitch?

Conrad also addressed the condition of the Wanderers pitch ahead of the first Test. He said he hopes the surface will offer a fair contest for both sides.

“It’s stock standard. It’s obviously hot here. We just hope that it’s not over-prepared and ready too early. It’s got a really good grass covering,” Conrad said.

The head coach described how he expects the Wanderers wicket to behave and what that would mean for South Africa’s bowling attack.

“I’d like to think we’ll get a Wanderers wicket of old where there’s good pace and balance because I think our attack can bowl on good wickets. We can take 20 wickets on good wickets. And we certainly want to give our batters every chance of posting big totals,” Conrad concluded.

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