Following a protracted period sidelined by injuries, fast bowler Anrich Nortje is confident that his performances over the last two months have perfectly positioned him for inclusion in South Africa`s T20 World Cup squad, which is expected to be announced shortly.
Nortje commenced the SA20 season with a powerful statement while playing for Sunrisers Eastern Cape. His superb spell of 4 for 13 against Paarl Royals helped dismiss the opposition for a tournament-record low total of 49. This standout performance marked his best T20 figures since last year`s World Cup and his first participation in South Africa`s premier franchise competition since its inaugural season.
The pace bowler`s history of back issues forced him to miss the subsequent two SA20 editions. Furthermore, injuries have restricted him to just two international appearances in the past 18 months. Despite having previously opted out of a central contract with Cricket South Africa, Nortje remains available for national selection and is viewed as a serious contender for the upcoming global tournament.
The Ideal Preparations
Speaking after Eastern Cape’s opening victory in Paarl, Nortje expressed satisfaction with his recent trajectory:
“Hopefully I get selected, but for now it’s just to try and build, take it game by game and day by day. I had a nice little buildup starting with the CSA T20 challenge and then got the call-up for the India series. I’d call it the ideal build-up. From here on, it’s just to try and execute and work on one or two things. It’s also so busy, so it’s just to try and keep the momentum going, keep a clear head, and keep focus. I’d probably call it the ideal build-up just from where I was a few months ago to now.”
The demanding SA20 schedule is set to test Nortje’s fitness, potentially involving five matches in a mere 10 days early in the tournament, and up to 13 games in a month if the Eastern Cape progress to the playoffs. Given his recent setbacks, including missing the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, concerns about his workload are understandable. However, Nortje insists he is not focused on the possibility of re-injury.
Trusting the Body
He emphasized the need for self-belief and trust in his physical condition:
“You’ve got to trust your body, and you can’t worry about this or that. I don’t think it’s something I ever don’t trust. When something’s wrong, then it’s probably too late, but, in general, you have to trust your body… When I’m out injured, I’m just motivated to get back better and build on what I can remember.”
Evidence of his improving form predated the SA20. Nortje finished tied for fourth place on the wicket-taking charts in the CSA T20 Challenge and participated in two T20I matches against India recently. While wicketless in those outings, his pace and control showed steady improvement. In Paarl, he demonstrated his full repertoire, utilizing the short ball effectively on a tricky, uneven pitch.
Ambitions Beyond T20
As his confidence returns, Nortje is also looking to expand his international commitments beyond the shortest format. He has not featured in an ODI for over two years or a Test match since early 2023, but remains keen to contribute to the longer formats again.
“It’s well known I was going to play last year against Pakistan in the Test matches as well, so I’m definitely still open to the idea. It’s definitely not out of the picture. I would love to play Tests again as it’s been a very long time, but only time will tell,” he stated.
For the immediate future, Nortje is concentrating squarely on T20 cricket, with the SA20, the T20 World Cup, and a subsequent return to the IPL with the Lucknow Super Giants setting up a demanding few months ahead.
