Anrich Nortje’s triumphant return to the Proteas after a year-long injury battle can’t be understated

The record may reflect that he took some stick in the first T20 International against India, before he was left out of the second clash on Thursday, but to be back at the highest level for South Africa for Anrich Nortje is no small feat.

The fast bowler had not played for the Proteas in over a year as he had struggled with a back injury. Before that, his appearances were also becoming limited due to chronic struggles with his back.

However, the 32-year-old has proved his fitness again by playing nine T20 matches for the Dolphins in November.

The tearaway quick is still an asset to the Proteas team, with the only concern being his fitness now.

Anrich Nortje’s Return to Cricket: A Cautious Comeback with the Proteas

“It’s really good to be back. Even back in franchise cricket, it’s been a change for me, now playing for the Dolphins. Just being on the park and playing has been great,” Nortje told SportsBoom.co.za.

 “It’s been a few months of rehab and off time. You can bowl in the net as much as you want, but getting on the field and getting a game is what you want.”

“For me it was always about taking it game by game. You always want to be a part of the Proteas again. For me it was just focusing on what I can control.”

Against India in Cuttack on Tuesday though, Nortje appeared to be back to his fiery best as he provided an extra dimension to the pace attack of the Proteas.

Though the Proteas lost that first T20I, they squared things up in the second clash in New Chandigarh on Thursday. It was interesting that Nortje didn’t play in the second match, but perhaps that is just the Proteas coaching staff attempting to manage Nortje’s comeback cautiously.

Still, it’s great to have probably the fastest bowler in South Africa back playing for the Proteas.

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport