Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the third and final Test between South Africa and Australia after suffering a groin injury during the second match in Gqeberha. The Proteas have announced an otherwise unchanged squad for the series decider, which begins on October 27 at Newlands in Cape Town. With the three-match series level at 1-1, South Africa will aim to carry their momentum from a convincing victory into the decisive encounter.

Anrich Nortje suffers groin injury in Gqeberha

Nortje sustained the injury during the opening innings of the second Test and managed to bowl only 3.3 overs before being forced off the field. The fast bowler did not return to the contest, raising concerns about his availability for the final match.

Although the injury has been described as mild, it has proved sufficient to rule him out of the Cape Town Test. His absence is a setback for South Africa’s pace-bowling resources, given his ability to generate considerable speed and trouble batters with his aggressive approach.

However, Nortje’s early departure did not prevent the hosts from producing a dominant performance in Gqeberha. South Africa secured an innings-and-31-run victory to level the series after Australia had taken the lead in the opening Test. The result has set up an intriguing finale, with both teams having everything to play for as they look to finish the series on a winning note.

Three pacers in contention to replace Nortje

Nortje’s unavailability leaves South Africa with a selection decision ahead of the series decider. Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson are among the candidates who could earn a place in the playing XI if the team management opts to retain a four-pronged seam attack.

All three provide different options for captain Temba Bavuma and the coaching staff as they assess the conditions at Newlands. The final combination will likely depend on the pitch, the expected assistance for fast bowlers and the balance required against Australia’s batting line-up.

South Africa also have experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj available for selection. Maharaj missed the second Test in Gqeberha, where Simon Harmer was retained as the team’s only specialist spinner. His inclusion could become a consideration if the team management believes the Cape Town surface will offer enough assistance to a spin bowler.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne has retained his place in the squad as the backup option behind Ryan Rickelton. Verreynne was left out of the second Test after Rickelton took over wicketkeeping duties and moved down the batting order.

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South Africa prepare for series decider in Cape Town

With the series evenly poised, the third Test at Newlands from October 27 to 31 promises to be a significant contest for both sides. South Africa will look to build on their commanding performance in Gqeberha, while Australia will be eager to respond after suffering a heavy defeat.

Nortje’s absence leaves South Africa with a decision to make regarding their bowling attack, but the hosts still have several alternatives available. With the championship battle between the two sides finely balanced, the final Test will determine which team finishes the series with bragging rights.

South Africa squad for the third Test: 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 and Kyle Verreynne.

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