South Africa's Squad For 3rd Test vs Australia Named; Anrich Nortje Ruled Out (Source: AFP)
South Africa have announced their squad for the third and final Test against Australia, which will begin on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
It is important to note that Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the SA vs AUS 3rd Test due to a mild groin injury.
South Africa head into the final Test after securing an innings and 31-run victory in the second Test in Gqeberha.
Anrich Nortje Ruled Out Of SA vs AUS 3rd Test
Anrich Nortje picked up a groin injury while bowling in the first innings of the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha. He bowled only 3.3 overs before experiencing discomfort and leaving the field. The ace pacer did not return to bowl for the remainder of the match.
Scans carried out on Thursday confirmed that Anrich Nortje had suffered a mild groin injury, ruling him out of the final Test.
Who Will Replace Anrich Nortje For SA vs AUS 3rd Test?
South Africa have several options to replace Anrich Nortje in the playing XI. Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson could all be considered if the team decides to play four specialist fast bowlers.
Corbin Bosch offers another pace option, while Coetzee and Paterson can also strengthen the bowling attack. The final decision will depend on the team's combination and the conditions at Newlands.
South Africa could also consider bringing left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj into the playing XI. Maharaj missed the second Test, where Simon Harmer played as the only specialist spinner.
South Africa Squad For 3rd Test vs Australia
Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne.
Talking about South Africa's squad for the 3rd Test, wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne has also been retained as the backup wicketkeeper. Ryan Rickelton took over the wicketkeeping duties in the second Test and moved down the batting order.
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