South Africa has already suffered a setback ahead of the third Test against Australia - fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out due to a sore groin. The 32 year-old is at a crucial stage of the three-match series which is now 1-1 following South Africa’s dominant win in the second Test.
Cricket South Africa confirmed the injury on 24 October 2026, after scans diagnosed Nortje’s problem while bowling in Gqeberha. The final Test is due to begin at Newlands in Cape Town on 27 October.
Nortje suffers injury in second Test
Nortje suffered the groin injury during Australia’s first innings in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. He left the field midway through his fourth over and did not return to bowl for the rest of the match.
The injury was confirmed on Thursday in scans and he is out of the series decider. The length of his recovery is still not certain.
His withdrawal is a blow for the fast bowler who had only recently returned to Test cricket after a period of more than three-and-a-half years. His return came in the opening Test against Australia in Durban where he bowled 40 overs and took four wickets in the two innings.
Although he managed to complete that match, his return to the second Test was short-lived.
South Africa level series with dominant win
South Africa entered the second Test after losing the opening match by 214 runs in Durban. The hosts were on their way once again in Gqeberha and defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs to level the series at 1-1.
The victory was driven by a great bowling performance from Kagiso Rabada taking 6 wickets in the match and Marco Jansen making a big contribution.
With the series now all level, the third Test in Cape Town will decide the winner. Nortje’s absence leaves a big void for captain Temba Bavuma and the South African team management to tackle at the end of the day.
Who could replace Anrich Nortje?
South Africa have not named a replacement for Nortje in their squad. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the available options for the third Test.
Coetzee would offer some extra pace and Bosch would be an all-round option. Paterson is another experienced seamer who might be considered depending on the pitch conditions and the team’s preferred bowling combination.
South Africa may also consider a different balance if conditions at Newlands favour spin. The final decision will depend on the surface, the fitness of the remaining bowlers and the team’s strategy for the series decider.
Newlands Test to Decide the Series
The third Test between South Africa and Australia begins on October 27 and runs until October 31, if the match finishes in the scheduled period of time.
For South Africa, the immediate task will be to carry over the momentum from their innings win and adjust their bowling attack without Nortje. Australia will look to recover from the heavy defeat and regain the advantage.
Nortje’s withdrawal is a bad blow for the fast bowler especially after his long-awaited return to the format. With the series being quite evenly matched, Cape Town Test will be an important one for both teams.
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