Anrich Nortje likely to return in 2nd Test against Bangladesh
What's the story
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje is likely to make his comeback in the second Test against Bangladesh at SuperSport Park. The news was confirmed by head coach Shukri Conrad on Thursday. Nortje had suffered a groin injury during the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha, but scans later revealed that the damage wasn't as severe as initially feared.
Recovery process
Nortje won't play in the series opener
Despite his injury, Nortje will not be considered for the series opener at Wanderers on Sunday.
"He went for the scan at St George's during the Test match, and it revealed nothing sinister," Conrad said to reporters.
He added that "it wasn't as bad as initially anticipated and didn't require anything out of the ordinary either, just a little bit of rest and then some rehab."
Team impact
Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are top contenders
Conrad confirmed that from a medical point of view, there was nothing wrong with Nortje and he has recovered well.
"He's started training early enough. He's building up his loads as we speak and he should be good to go by the second Test," Conrad said.
Until then, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are the top contenders for the third seamer's role in the team.
Team strategy
Conrad adamant on playing a balanced attack
Conrad was adamant that Nortje's return won't mean an all-pace line-up.
He stressed the importance of balance in a bowling attack and said, "What Wiaan does, in particular with the ball now, is that he gives you the luxury of playing a specialist spinner."
The Wanderers has been favorable to spinners in recent years, but rain could tip things in favor of quicks during this Test match.
Team changes
Other updates from South Africa camp
On the batting front, the number position is yet to be decided.
Zubayr Hamza and Tony de Zorzi are in contention to replace David Bedingham, who was dropped after scoring just one half-century in five innings against Australia.
Former South African pacer Charl Langeveldt has also joined the support staff for the entire Bangladesh tour, including white-ball games.