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Anrich Nortje Eyes Test Comeback Against Australia, Ready to Reignite Red-Ball Fire
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News18•04-10-2026, 21:00
Anrich Nortje Eyes Test Comeback Against Australia, Ready to Reignite Red-Ball Fire
- •South Africa speedster Anrich Nortje is targeting a Test comeback against Australia, having been included in the 18-member preliminary squad for the ICC World Test Championship series starting October 9.
- •Nortje, who last played a Test in 2023, revealed his preparations for red-ball cricket began well before his recall, focusing on skill execution and gradually building loads.
- •He emphasized his passion for Test cricket, stating, "I’ll be very excited if I can put my Test cap on again. Growing up, it’s the format you want to play."
- •Nortje aims to "rectify things" against Australia after South Africa's 2-0 loss in their last Test series, expressing a desire to perform well at home.
- •He praised the team's progress under coach Shukri Conrad and hopes to contribute to their success as reigning ICC World Test Championship holders.
Key Questions Answered
The three-match ICC World Test Championship series between South Africa and Australia begins on October 9 at Kingsmead in Durban.
Prior to his inclusion in the preliminary squad, Anrich Nortje had played 19 Test matches and claimed 70 wickets, with his last red-ball appearance occurring in 2023.
Along with Anrich Nortje, fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee were included in South Africa's 18-member preliminary squad for the Test series against Australia.
