South Africa have suffered a potential injury setback during their crucial Test match against Australia, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje leaving the field midway through the 20th over of the hosts’ first innings on Day 4. The incident has raised concerns for the Proteas, who are looking to secure a vital victory in their bid to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Nortje bowled three deliveries in the over before pulling out, forcing experienced spinner Simon Harmer to complete the remaining three balls.
The exact reason behind the fast bowler’s sudden departure remains unclear, with no official confirmation regarding the nature or severity of the issue at the time of writing. The right-arm pacer had returned to South Africa’s Test setup for the ongoing away series against Australia and had looked effective before leaving the field. He dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and conceded just five runs from 3.3 overs, giving the Proteas valuable control during a critical phase of the innings.
Speculation surrounding a possible groin or ankle problem has emerged, although the cause of his departure has yet to be established. Led by Temba Bavuma, South Africa entered the contest under pressure following their heavy defeat in the previous Test in Durban. With both places in the World Test Championship final still up for grabs, the defending champions are eager to secure a result that could significantly influence the standings.
ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer Backs Bhuvneshwar Kumar To Strengthen India’s Bowling Attack Against New Zealand
Bavuma led from the front with an outstanding 179 off 334 deliveries in South Africa’s first innings. His contribution, combined with valuable lower-order knocks of more than 80 runs from Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, helped the visitors post an imposing total of 425.
South Africa made an encouraging start with the ball, dismissing Australian opener Nic Maddinson for another duck. The pressure continued to build as Scott Boland, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey also returned to the pavilion.
Anrich Nortje has a right groin injury
He is undergoing further assessment and will not take part in the rest of this innings
— Werner (@Werries_) October 21, 2026
At the time of reporting, Australia were struggling at 38 for one after being asked to follow on, with Marco Jansen leading the attack and taking a 5-for to bundled out Australia for 99 in Nortje’s absence. The left-arm quick had already claimed four wickets, keeping South Africa firmly in contention for a series-levelling victory.
The Proteas’ pace attack, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Jansen, Nortje and Wiaan Mulder, had been expected to exploit the grassy surface and conditions offering assistance to fast bowlers. Nortje’s pace and ability to generate movement could have provided another dimension to the attack, making his departure a concern at a crucial stage.
ALSO READ: New Zealand Prepare Special Plans For Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ahead Of India T20I Series
South Africa will now hope their remaining bowlers can maintain the pressure and finish the job. A victory over Australia would represent a significant turnaround following their previous defeat and could have major implications for the WTC points table. However, Nortje’s fitness remains an important question as the match approaches its decisive phase.
