Anrich Nortje takes two wickets on Test return
Anrich Nortje claimed two wickets on his Test return as South Africa reduced Australia to 187 for six on day one in Durban.
Anrich Nortje marked his return to Test cricket with two wickets as South Africa restricted Australia to 187 for six on the opening day of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban. The fast bowler finished with figures of two for 40 from 13.2 overs, dismissing Alex Carey and Beau Webster in consecutive deliveries to reduce Australia to 124 for six.
Nortje had not played a Test since March 2023 after back and hip injuries limited his red-ball opportunities. He replaced injured Kagiso Rabada in the XI and generated significant pace on a surface that offered seam movement for South Africa's three frontline quicks.
Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen also took two wickets apiece while Matt Renshaw and Pat Cummins added an unbroken 63-run stand for the seventh wicket. Nortje bowled short-pitched deliveries in his second spell before bad light ended play after 65.2 overs.