Anrich Nortje returns to South Africa Test squad after 18 months

Anrich Nortje has been named in South Africa's preliminary 18-player squad for the first Test against Australia, marking his return to red-ball cricket after 18 months away. The fast bowler last played Test cricket in February 2023 and has since focused exclusively on T20 cricket.

Nortje took 70 wickets in 19 Tests during his career before stepping away from the longer format. His inclusion alongside Kagiso Rabada gives South Africa two proven Test pacemen despite ongoing injury concerns affecting Lungi Ngidi and others.

Coach Shukri Conrad said the two-day intra-squad match will help assess player combinations and match readiness. The squad will be reduced to 15 players before the series opener at Kingsmead on October 9.