Injured Anrich Nortje ruled out of Cape Town decider against Australia

South Africa fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the third and final Test against Australia at Newlands, Cape Town, scheduled for October 27-31. Nortje suffered a mild right groin injury during the second Test in Gqeberha, where he bowled only 3.3 overs before exiting the field. Despite his absence, South Africa completed an innings-and-31-run victory to level the three-match series at 1-1.

South Africa selectors named an otherwise unchanged 16-man squad captained by Temba Bavuma for the series decider. Nortje's injury opens the door for Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, or Dane Paterson to feature in the pace attack, while spinner Keshav Maharaj also remains an option. Wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne has been retained in the squad as backup to Ryan Rickelton.