Anrich Nortje returns for South Africa’s Tests v Bangladesh

Anrich Nortje has returned to South Africa’s 15-member squad for the two-Test series against Bangladesh, having recovered from the groin injury that ruled him out of the final two Tests against Australia. Temba Bavuma will captain the side.

The first Test is in Johannesburg from 15 to 19 November, starting at 1:00 PM IST on Sunday, 15 November. The second is in Centurion from 23 to 27 November, starting at 1:30 PM IST on Monday, 23 November.

The injury and the return

The fast bowler missed the last two Tests of the home series against Australia with the groin problem. His return comes in a selection that also recalls batters Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza.

Who is in and out

Wisden reports that David Bedingham has been left out despite a half-century in South Africa’s win in Cape Town, with de Zorzi coming in. Kyle Verreynne has also missed the cut after being left out of the XI for the last two Tests against Australia.

Hamza returns to the Test squad, and Wisden notes he has not played a Test since February 2024. South Africa’s selection panel pointed out that Bavuma recently led the Proteas to a 2-1 series win over Australia.

What is at stake

South Africa have moved to No.2 in the World Test Championship standings with a point percentage of 71.43, while Bangladesh are fifth on 47.62. South Africa have also replaced Australia at No.1 in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, the ICC posted on 31 October.

Bangladesh play the second Test against West Indies on 5 November before this series.

What’s next

After the Tests, South Africa host Bangladesh in the first ODI on Tuesday, 1 December.