Post by : Rohit Dhiman

South Africa have been dealt an injury setback ahead of the third and final Test against Australia, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out after suffering a groin injury during the second match of the series. Cricket South Africa confirmed his absence on Saturday, October 24, leaving the team to prepare for the final encounter without the experienced paceman. The injury occurred during South Africa’s commanding victory in Gqeberha earlier this week. Nortje pulled up during his fourth over and was unable to continue bowling for the remainder of the match. South Africa went on to secure an innings-and-31-run win on Thursday, bringing the three-match series level at 1-1. The final Test is scheduled to begin at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday. With the series evenly poised, both sides will have the opportunity to claim the series with a win in the concluding match.

Groin Injury Forces Nortje Out

The Anrich Nortje Injury comes at an important stage of the series. The fast bowler had recently returned to the Test setup after spending an extended period away from first-class cricket, with a succession of injuries interrupting his career. His latest setback means South Africa will have to proceed without him for the series finale. Nortje’s early departure from the second Test also limited his involvement in a match that ultimately ended in a comprehensive victory for the home side. The precise recovery timeline for the paceman was not specified in the announcement. His absence from the third Test is confirmed, but further information would be needed to establish when he could return to action.

South Africa and Australia Level at 1-1

The South Africa vs Australia series remains finely balanced after two contrasting stages of the contest. Australia and South Africa are level at one win apiece, making the upcoming match crucial for both teams. South Africa will enter the final Test after their innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. That result brought the hosts back level in the series and set up a decisive meeting at Newlands. Australia, meanwhile, will have the chance to respond in the final match. The result will determine which side finishes the three-Test series ahead, with both teams needing a strong performance across batting, bowling and fielding.

Third Test to Begin at Newlands

The Third Test Match will be played at Newlands in Cape Town, with the opening day scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Nortje is the only change to South Africa’s squad announced for the match. His withdrawal places greater attention on the pace-bowling options available to the selectors. The confirmed squad includes Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen and Dane Paterson, alongside the team’s spin and batting resources. The final combination will be important as South Africa look to build on their second-Test performance. Conditions at the venue and the balance between pace and spin could influence the selection, although the final playing eleven was not included in the announcement.

South Africa Test Squad for the Final Match

Cricket South Africa named the following 16 players for the third Test against Australia:

• Temba Bavuma (captain)

• Marques Ackerman

• David Bedingham

• Corbin Bosch

• Matthew Breetzke

• Gerald Coetzee

• Simon Harmer

• Marco Jansen

• Keshav Maharaj

• Aiden Markram

• Wiaan Mulder

• Senuran Muthusamy

• Dane Paterson

• Kagiso Rabada

• Ryan Rickelton

• Kyle Verreynne

Nortje’s name is absent from the squad following confirmation of his injury. The announcement identified him as the only change for the third Test.

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What Nortje’s Absence Means for South Africa

The South Africa Test Squad will need to manage its bowling resources carefully in the absence of Nortje. With the series tied, the final match offers little room for error, and the team will be looking for its available bowlers to maintain pressure on Australia’s batting lineup. The Cricket Injury News also highlights the interruption Nortje has faced in rebuilding his career after a prolonged spell away from first-class cricket. His return had offered an opportunity to re-establish himself, but the groin problem has now ruled him out of the series decider.

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