On Nortje’s return to the Test setup, Conrad stated that the conversation for the 32-year-old’s return to the longest format had been ongoing.
“During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2026), Anrich (Nortje) indicated that he still wanted to be available for all formats. It was about how we were going to monitor his fitness. So it’s a great opportunity to get Anrich involved as soon as possible, being able to assess exactly where he is. Great to have someone of his caliber and pace available to us. We’ll see how that goes, we’ll monitor him for a week, and make decisions based on that.”
Given that this will be Anrich Nortje’s first first-class game since his last Test in 2023, there will be questions around his capability to go through the rigours of Test cricket.
Conrad backed Nortje’s preparations for the longest format, but added that the team management would take on a call on the format best-suited for his international return, at a later date.
“He’s as pedantic and as professional as they come. I’ve got spreadsheets and details detailing all of the works that he has done. Obviously, the intensity and loads at which international cricket is played, we’ve to match up to them.
“I’m very comfortable that he’s done all the necessary work. But we’ve got a long summer of Test matches and ODIs, and we’ve got to see if a Test match is the best way to re-introduce him to the international fold or earmark something else. But I’m very happy with all the work Anrich has put it, and he has kept us in the loop.”
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