The 32-year-old is primed to feature against the Baggy Greens, marking his first appearance for South Africa in the longest format since March 2023. His last Test came against the West Indies at SuperSport Park, where he produced a typically fiery performance, taking 5/36 and 1/48 as South Africa secured an 87-run victory. 

His last ODI came later that year, in September, when Australia beat the Proteas by 123 runs at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

Anrich Nortjé runs out Klerksdorp-born Marnus Labuschagne in Melbourne. Photo: Cricinfo

More recently, Nortjé represented South Africa at the ICC T20 World Cup in March this year, with his last appearance coming in the five-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Delhi.

Injuries have disrupted the paceman’s career in recent years, restricting him to just 19 Tests since making his debut against India in Pune in 2019. Despite that, he has taken an impressive 70 wickets in the format.

With injuries continuing to affect the Proteas’ fast-bowling resources, Nortjé looks set to make his return to the Test arena. And after such a lengthy absence, the prospect of pulling on the whites again has clearly rekindled something in the 32-year-old.

Anrich Nortjé after dismissing David Warner in Sydney. Photo: Cricinfo

“Yeah, it’s been a few years. It’s always been in the plan to be back. It’s taken a bit longer than I was really hoping for. Obviously, things happened over the past few years, but it’s really nice to be back, and it’s exciting,” said Nortjé.

“It’s lucky to be bowling with the red ball again and to be with the boys and just the environment. We spoke about it earlier, it’s quite relaxed at the moment.

“We’re sure things are going to ramp up, but it’s just really nice to be here with the guys and to be working on X, Y and Z. It’s just fun. I’m really enjoying it so far. Only been a few days, but yeah, looking forward to the next few weeks.”

Nortjé says there is something special about being back in the Test environment, admitting that simply seeing his Test cap again has given him goosebumps.

“I’ve seen that cap lay in the house quite a bit over the years, and yeah, it’s just something you look forward to again,” said Nortjé.

For the fast bowler, Test cricket remains the ultimate challenge – the format that tests a player’s skill, temperament, fitness, and resilience over five demanding days.

“I think growing up, it’s something you wanted to play. It’s a format you wanted to play. It’s sort of the motivation when you train.

Anrich Nortjé celebrates trapping Virat Kohli lbw for his maiden Test wicket. Photo: Cricinfo

“You don’t think of the tough times in T20 cricket. You just think about executing skills there, where you think about the tough times, the good times, the hard work, and I think that gets you through some sessions as well at home.

“So definitely very excited. If I can put it on, that would obviously be number one, but yeah, just excited to at least have it with me on tour again and not at home.”

The first ball of the 1st Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead is scheduled to be bowled at 09:30 on Friday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs