Gqeberha: South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has suffered a suspected right groin injury during the fourth day of the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the match.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 21, when Nortje limped off the field during the opening session after delivering three balls in his fourth over of Australia’s innings. Cricket South Africa subsequently confirmed that the fast bowler would not return to the field for at least the remainder of Australia’s first innings.
The injury is a setback for South Africa, who are attempting to level the three-match Test series after losing the opening match in Durban. Nortje had been an important part of the home side’s pace attack before being forced to leave the field.
Nortje leaves the field midway through his spell
Nortje was bowling with Australia under pressure when he appeared to experience discomfort and decided to leave the field without completing his over. Experienced spinner Simon Harmer came on to deliver the remaining three balls.
Before his departure, Nortje had made an important contribution by dismissing Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne. The dismissal further weakened Australia’s top order and strengthened South Africa’s position in the match.
Nortje had bowled 3.3 overs, conceding five runs and taking one wicket before leaving the field. His departure meant that South Africa temporarily lost one of their frontline fast-bowling options at a crucial stage of the contest.
Although the injury was described as a suspected right groin problem, its full severity was not immediately established. Further medical assessment will be important in determining whether Nortje can return to action and how long he might be sidelined.
Injury concerns after Test cricket comeback
The latest setback comes shortly after Nortje returned to Test cricket following an absence of more than three and a half years from red-ball cricket.
The fast bowler featured in the first Test against Australia in Durban, where he bowled 40 overs in his return to the longest format. His comeback marked an important milestone after a prolonged period in which back and hip injuries had interrupted his career and limited his involvement in Test cricket.
Nortje has built a reputation for his pace and ability to trouble batters with aggressive short-pitched deliveries. His return was particularly significant for South Africa, whose fast-bowling resources have been affected by injuries to several players.
The short turnaround between the first and second Tests had raised questions about whether Nortje would be able to recover fully. However, reports indicated that he bowled at impressive pace during a training session two days before the second Test began.
His latest injury will therefore be a concern for both the player and the team management, particularly given the workload required of fast bowlers during a demanding Test series.
South Africa’s bowling attack faces another challenge
South Africa entered the second Test with pressure on their bowling resources, with several fast bowlers having dealt with fitness problems during the series build-up.
Nortje’s absence adds to the challenge, potentially increasing the workload for the remaining bowlers. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder have all been important contributors, while Harmer provides a specialist spin option.
Despite Nortje leaving the field, South Africa’s bowling attack delivered a dominant performance against Australia in the first innings of the second Test.
Marco Jansen led the attack with five wickets, while Mulder claimed two wickets as Australia were dismissed for just 99 runs. The hosts had earlier recovered from a difficult position in their own innings, with captain Temba Bavuma scoring 179 and Jansen contributing 85.
South Africa’s first-innings total of 425 for nine declared gave them a substantial advantage. After dismissing Australia for 99, the hosts enforced the follow-on, putting the visitors under considerable pressure.
Australia struggle after being forced to follow on
Australia’s batting collapse gave South Africa a strong opportunity to draw level in the three-match series.
Steve Smith was among Australia’s recognised batters to spend time at the crease, scoring 28 runs from 88 deliveries before being dismissed by Mulder. The visitors struggled to build partnerships as South Africa’s bowlers maintained pressure through disciplined lines and lengths.
After being asked to bat again, Australia faced the challenge of overcoming a substantial deficit while trying to save the match. The hosts were in a commanding position heading into the final stages of the contest.
Nortje’s injury, however, could affect South Africa’s ability to maintain pressure if the match extends into a prolonged second innings. With one of their fast bowlers unavailable for the remainder of Australia’s first innings, the workload of the remaining attack becomes an important consideration.
South Africa will need to manage their bowlers carefully while attempting to secure a result and level the series.
Further assessment to determine Nortje’s availability
Nortje’s immediate priority will be medical assessment to establish the nature and extent of the suspected groin injury. Until the results are available, his participation in the remainder of the Test and his readiness for future international commitments remain uncertain.
The injury is especially frustrating given the effort required to return to Test cricket after a lengthy absence. Nortje’s pace and experience make him a valuable option for South Africa, but his availability will depend on the outcome of the assessment and his recovery.
For South Africa, the immediate focus remains on converting their commanding position into a victory. The team will also be hoping that Nortje’s injury is not serious enough to threaten his participation in the remainder of the series.
Further updates from Cricket South Africa are expected to clarify the fast bowler’s condition and recovery timeline.