South Africa have provided a positive update regarding fast bowler Anrich Nortje as they prepare for their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh. Head coach Shukri Conrad, speaking on the pacer's recovery, stated that the experienced speedster could return to action during the second Test of the series.
"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 said at the press conference.
Nortje suffered a groin injury during the second Test of South Africa's recently concluded three-match home series against Australia. Speaking about Nortje's recovery, Conrad indicated that the opening Test against Bangladesh would probably arrive too early for the fast bowler.
However, the Proteas coach remains optimistic about having him available for the second match, which is scheduled to take place at Centurion from November 23. South Africa will begin their World Test Championship campaign against Bangladesh in Johannesburg on Sunday.
"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."