South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje suffered a suspected right groin injury on Day 4 of the ongoing second Test against Australia at St George's Park on Wednesday, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the match, according to ESPNcricinfo. Nortje limped off the field three balls into his fourth over during the opening session. Cricket South Africa confirmed at the start of the second session that the pacer would not return to the field for at least the remainder of Australia's first innings.
The injury comes shortly after Nortje returned to Test cricket in Durban, where he bowled 40 overs in his first Test and first-class appearance in more than three and a half years, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Concerns had emerged over his recovery ahead of the second Test due to the short turnaround between the matches. However, Nortje had shown impressive pace during training two days before the game. Meanwhile, South Africa strengthened their position by bowling Australia out for just 99 in the first innings and enforcing the follow-on. Left-arm pacer Marco Jansen led the attack with five wickets, while Wiaan Mulder claimed two. Steve Smith was Australia's top scorer among the recognised batters, making 28 off 88 deliveries before being bowled by Mulder.
Earlier, South African captain Temba Bavuma produced a superb innings of 179, while Jansen scored 85 to help the hosts recover from an early collapse and take control of the match. With Australia under immense pressure after being forced to follow on, South Africa will aim to secure victory and level the three-match series 1-1. Nortje's injury, however, could be a concern for the hosts as they look to complete the job.