South Africa are likely to receive a major boost to their pace attack for the second Test against Bangladesh, with Anrich Nortje on course to return from a groin injury. Head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed that the fast bowler is recovering well and could be available for the series’ second match at SuperSport Park in Centurion.Nortje picked up the injury during the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha but scans revealed that the damage was less serious than initially feared. The 32-year-old will miss the series opener at the Wanderers, which begins on Sunday, November 15, but is expected to be fit for the second Test starting November 23.“He went for the scan at St George’s during the Test match, and it revealed nothing sinister. It wasn’t as bad as initially anticipated and didn’t require anything out of the ordinary either, just a little bit of rest and then some rehab,” Conrad was quoted as saying by cricinfo on Thursday.“He’ll definitely be in the frame for one of the Test matches here, possibly the second one. From a medical point of view, there was nothing wrong, and he’s recovered well. He’s started training early enough. He’s building up his loads as we speak and he should be good to go by the second Test,” he added.
Corbin Bosch , Dane Paterson in contention for opening Test
With Nortje unavailable for the first Test, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are the leading contenders for the third seamer’s position alongside South Africa’s established pace options. However, Conrad ruled out the possibility of fielding an all-pace attack, insisting that the team would not necessarily benefit from playing five specialist fast bowlers.The South African coach highlighted Wiaan Mulder’s ability to contribute with the ball, which provides the team with the flexibility to include a specialist spinner in the playing XI.“What’s a full pace attack? Is it four or five? Even if you go with five quicks, someone’s not going to bowl his overs,” Conrad said.“What Wiaan does, in particular with the ball now, is that he gives you the luxury of playing a specialist spinner. A fifth seamer, for me, is a bit of a waste because if the four aren’t going to bowl a side out, trust me, the fifth one’s not going to do that. There’ll be no temptation to play five seamers,” he added.
Shukri Conrad expects balanced Wanderers pitch
The Wanderers has offered some assistance to spinners in recent years, but thunderstorms are forecast throughout the five-day Test, potentially bringing the fast bowlers into play. Conrad, however, is hoping for a balanced surface with good pace and bounce, allowing both batters and bowlers to make an impact.“It’s stock standard. It’s obviously hot here. We just hope that it’s not over-prepared and ready too early. It’s got a really good grass covering,” he said.“I’d like to think we’ll get a Wanderers wicket of old where there’s good pace and balance because I think our attack can bowl on good wickets. We can take 20 wickets on good wickets. And we certainly want to give our batters every chance of posting big totals,” Conrad added.
South Africa vs Bangladesh: Test series schedule
The two-match Test series will begin at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on November 15, with the second and final Test scheduled to take place at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | November 15-19 | Wanderers, Johannesburg |
| 2nd Test | November 23-27 | SuperSport Park, Centurion |