Cape Town, 24 October (H.S.):

South Africa have suffered a setback ahead of the decisive third and final Test against Australia, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out of the series finale after sustaining a mild groin injury. The three-match series is currently level at 1-1.

Nortje sustained the injury on the fourth day of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. He was forced to leave the field midway through his fourth over and spent the remainder of the match in the dressing room. His return to Test cricket was therefore cut short after just two appearances in the series.

Cricket South Africa has not announced a replacement in the playing XI, with selectors expected to choose from the existing squad. Fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson, along with all-rounder Corbin Bosch, are among the leading options to strengthen the pace attack. Paterson could also be considered for the contest at his home ground in Cape Town.

South Africa could alternatively opt for an additional spin-bowling option, with left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy among the players available for selection. The hosts are, however, unlikely to make significant changes to their batting order and could retain the same group of batters who featured in the second Test.

Nortje had returned to red-ball cricket in the opening Test against Australia in Durban after an absence of more than three-and-a-half years. He bowled 40 overs in the match and claimed four wickets, taking two in each innings.

Following the opening Test, there had been speculation that the fast bowler might be rested for the second match to manage his workload. However, as he had not reported any major problems during the first Test, the team decided to retain him for the subsequent fixture.

South African captain Temba Bavuma subsequently acknowledged that playing Nortje in consecutive Tests had involved an element of risk, given the fast bowler’s history of injuries and prolonged periods on the sidelines.

The timeline for Nortje’s return remains uncertain, although the injury has been described as mild. Further assessment will determine when he can resume competitive cricket.

Other Players' Fitness Under Scrutiny

South Africa are also monitoring the fitness of several other players ahead of a demanding international schedule.

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi sustained a hamstring injury during the opening stages of the domestic first-class season. He is expected to return next month and could be available for the series against Bangladesh, subject to his recovery.

Another fast bowler, Ottneil Baartman, has returned to action after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained early in the domestic season. He delivered an impressive performance for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition on Friday, claiming four wickets for just 12 runs.

Meanwhile, no fresh update has been provided on the fitness of 20-year-old left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka or batter Tony de Zorzi. De Zorzi sustained a hamstring injury during the third one-day international against Australia last month.

The third and final Test between South Africa and Australia is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 27, at Newlands in Cape Town. With the series evenly poised, the hosts will aim to secure a victory on home soil and clinch the series, while Australia will seek to prevail in the decider and return home with the trophy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar