SA vs AUS: Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the final Test with a groin injury

Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of South Africa’s third and final Test against Australia after suffering a minor groin injury. With the series level at 1-1, South Africa will have to change their bowling attack to decide which starts on Tuesday.

On the fourth morning of the second Test at Gqeberha, Nortje walked off the field in the middle of his fourth over and did not return for the rest of the match. His injury cut short his return to Test cricket after more than three-and-a-half years away from the format.

The fast bowler made a comeback in the series opener in Durbanwhere he played 40 overs and took four wickets in two innings. After this match passed without any apparent problems, Nortje was selected for the second Test as well.

Captain Temba Bavuma later admitted the decision carried some risk, given Nortje’s injury history and the long spell he spent on the sidelines.

While the length of his recovery remains uncertain, ESPNcricinfo understands the injury is not as serious as first feared. South Africa did not name a replacement for the final Test.

SA WILL CONSIDER OPTIONS TO RESERVE NORTJE

Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the options available to South Africa for the series decider. All three have been part of the team since the first Test.

Coetzee has not played a Test for nearly two years, while Bosch and Paterson offer alternative options for a pace attack. South Africa could also consider left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusama if they opt for a different bowling combination.

The hosts are expected to retain the same batting line-up as in Gqeberha, with the absence of Nortje a major selection issue ahead of the final Test.

South Africa are also monitoring the fitness of several other players ahead of a busy international summer. Lungi Ngidi, who injured his hamstring during the opening round of the domestic first-class competition, is expected to return next month and could feature in the Bangladesh series.

Ottneil Baartman has already returned to action for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the season opener. He took four wickets for 12 runs on Friday.

There is still no word on left-arm fast bowler Kwen Maphak or batsman Tony de Zorzi, who injured his hamstring during the third ODI against Australia last month.

South Africa will look to settle on their bowling combination without Nortje as they try to win the series in the third Test starting on Tuesday.

– The end