Proteas quick Anrich Nortje ready to bring his part for Proteas if called on
South Africa's Anrich Nortje has been plagued by injury over the last couple of seasons, recovering just in time for the T20 World Cup last year – where he proved again to be a vital cog in the SA attack.
Image: ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AFP
Though it’s highly unlikely South Africa will pick Anrich Nortje for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s next month, the Proteas fast bowler will be hoping to make a return to the team soon.
Nortje has been plagued by injury over the last couple of seasons, recovering just in time for the T20 World Cup last year – where he proved again to be a vital cog in the SA attack.
He was also returning from injury ahead of the Test series against Pakistan in December and January when he broke his toe, which ruled him out of selection consideration.
The 31-year-old has since returned to action in the Indian Premier League for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Though he played just the one game on April 15 against Punjab Kings, it was a solid outing as he returned 1/23 in three overs.
"It doesn’t feel like [I’ve been] out of competition for a long time. I was involved in the series against Pakistan and the SA20. But it is great to play one game in a competitive space again,” Nortje told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.
"I was available for December’s Test matches against Pakistan. I spoke about it and broke my toe before the first match.
“The mindset was ready. It was about getting the body ready. I was up for it and excited, but then, the blow came. I had to get everything in line again. If and when one such conversation happens, we will take it from there.”
As for the WTC final against Australia at the home of cricket, Nortje fancied the chances of the Proteas.
"It is a neutral ground, and South Africa has a good record at Lord’s. Hopefully, we can continue that. It is a young team, but an established one. The players have been in form.”
"The success is due to the team contribution and not one player. It is a big opportunity for us to lift the trophy. The way they have changed in the last year or two has been superb. I think South Africa has done well under Shuks (Shukri Conrad).”