Anrich Nortje Ruled Out of 3rd Test Against Australia

Nortje ruled out of 3rd Test selection after suffering a mild groin injury, South Africa must decide how to reshape their bowling attack for the series decider against Australia in Cape Town. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are the main pace options, while Senuran Muthusamy could be considered if the hosts opt for spin.

The series is level at 1-1, and South Africa are expected to retain their batting line-up from the second Test in Gqeberha. Coetzee has not played a Test in nearly two years, Bosch offers an all-round option, and Paterson is another candidate for the final match. All three have remained with the squad throughout the series.

Nortje's Return Cut Short

Nortje's latest injury came after he returned to Test cricket for the first time in more than three-and-a-half years. He bowled 40 overs and claimed four wickets in the opening Test in Durban before being selected again for the match at St George's Park.

The fast bowler left the field during his fourth over on the fourth morning of the second Test and did not return. Captain Temba Bavuma later acknowledged that selecting Nortje for the match had been a "risk", given his history of injuries and lengthy spells out of the side.

Although Nortje will miss the Cape Town Test, the injury is understood to be less serious than initially feared. South Africa have yet to confirm his recovery timeline or announce a replacement

South Africa Monitor Wider Injury List

The team are also tracking the progress of several injured players ahead of the upcoming international summer. Lungi Ngidi, who sustained a hamstring injury during the opening round of domestic first-class cricket, is expected to return next month and could be available for the Bangladesh series.

Ottneil Baartman has resumed playing for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition and took four wickets for 12 runs on Friday. He had injured his hamstring during the domestic season opener.

There is no confirmed update on left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka or batter Tony de Zorzi, who injured his hamstring during the third ODI against Australia last month.