JOHANNESBURG: Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has returned to South Africa’s 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan next month.
The 31-year-old has not played a 50-over match since September 2023 due to a stress fracture. Nortje returned was part of the team in the T20 World Cup last June, where he was South Africa’s top bowler. However, he has not featured in international cricket since the final against India in Barbados.
He declined a Cricket South Africa contract to play T20 franchise cricket. Nortje was set to face Pakistan in white-ball matches last month at home but broke his right toe while batting in the nets.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed confidence in Nortje’s readiness. “He was bowling really quickly at our camp in Pretoria,” Walter said. “He is super-fit and energized to play for South Africa again. Anrich is the ultimate professional, and I’ve no doubt he’ll be ready.”
Lungi Ngidi also returns after recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out of South Africa’s home international season.
Ten members of the squad played in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where South Africa reached the semifinals. Walter believes this experience will boost the team. “They’ve felt the pressure of big matches,” he said.
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Before the ICC Champions Trophy, South Africa will compete in a triangular series in Pakistan against the hosts and New Zealand. However, some players may miss the triangular series due to a scheduling clash with the SA20 tournament.
South African squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Marco Jansen, Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Anrich Nortje
South Africa’s Group B fixtures:
- February 21: Afghanistan in Karachi.
- February 25: Australia in Rawalpindi.
- March 1: England in Karachi.
