Anrich Nortjé has recovered from a toe injury to be fit for the Proteas’ ICC Champions Trophy campaign. Photo: AFP
Anrich Nortjé will make his much-anticipated return to international cricket next month after Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter named the fast bowler in the 15-man squad on Monday for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Nortjé has not played for the Proteas since last year’s T20 World Cup final against India in Barbados.
The 31-year-old was called up for both home Pakistan white-ball series, but suffered a broken toe, which ruled him out.
Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad also indicated that Nortjé was in the frame for a return to red-ball cricket, with the Boxing Day Test at Centurion pencilled in.
Nortjé also missed the Capitals’ SA20 opener against Durban’s Super Giants last Friday evening at Kingsmead, but was expected to fire up at Centurion on Sunday before the game was abandoned due to rain.
Nortjé’s last competitive match was on December 2 for Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10.
Walter has also named fellow seamer Lungi Ngidi in the 15-man squad.
Ngidi’s last international appearance was on October 7 against Ireland in Abu Dhabi, before missing the entire home international season with a groin injury.
Ngidi, however, came through his return to play comfortably in the Paarl Royals’ SA20 opener against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Saturday.
He was understandably rusty as he conceded 42 runs without taking a wicket in his four overs.
Walter is backing the duo’s experience of major international events to shine through in Pakistan.
“This squad boasts a wealth of experience, with many players having consistently performed in high pressure situations. That kind of experience is invaluable in a tournament like this,” Walter said on Monday.
“We’ve managed to maintain the core group of our 2023 World Cup squad, whilst adding fresh talent.
“Our recent performances at ICC events show that we’re capable of reaching the latter stages of global tournaments. We’re eager to take the next step, and go even further in pursuit of the coveted silverware.”
The 15-man squad also includes batters Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs, along with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who have been selected for their first senior 50-over ICC tournament.
The Proteas been drawn in Group B, with their opening fixture against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi. Bavuma’s side will then travel to Rawalpindi to face Australia on February 25, before returning to Karachi for their final group stage match against England on March 1.
Cricket South Africa high-performance batting lead Imraan Khan has also joined the support staff as the batting coach after JP Duminy’s resignation last year.
Proteas Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortjé, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.