Cricket South Africa confirmed at the start of the second session that the pacer would not take the field again for at least the remainder of Australia’s first innings. South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje sustained a suspected right groin injury during the fourth day of the ongoing second Test against Australia at St George’s Park on Wednesday, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the match, according to ESPNcricinfo. Nortje limped off the field three balls into his fourth over during the opening session.
The injury comes after Nortje returned to Test cricket in Durban, where he bowled 40 overs in his first Test and first-class appearance in more than three and a half years, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Questions had been raised over his ability to recover in time for the second Test, given the short turnaround between the matches.
However, Nortje had bowled at impressive pace during training two days before the start of the match.
Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen led South Africa’s bowling attack, claiming five wickets to dismantle Australia’s batting order. Wiaan Mulder also contributed two wickets as Australia struggled to cope with the hosts’ relentless attack. The pair helped the hosts recover from an early collapse and seize control of the contest.
Coming to the match, South Africa bowled Australia out for just 99 in their first innings and enforced the follow-on in the second Test, putting the visitors under immense pressure. Veteran batter Steve Smith top-scored among Australia’s recognised batters with 28 off 88 deliveries, including two fours, before being bowled by Mulder. South Africa’s first-innings total was built around a remarkable knock from captain Temba Bavuma, who scored 179, while Marco Jansen contributed 85. Having enforced the follow-on, South Africa will look to capitalise on their commanding position and push for victory to level the three-match series at 1-1.
