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- Proteas fast pitcher Anrich Nortje is eager to use the SuperSport Park pitch to his advantage before the opening test.
- Nortje is expected to lead the Proteas bowling attack alongside Lungi Ngidi at Centurion.
- The 27-year-old also says he’s not overly concerned about the Proteas’ lack of red ball action.
Proteas bowler Anrich Nortje has given a friendly warning to Sri Lankan hitters ahead of Saturday’s opening test at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
The 27-year-old will be a vital cog in helping the Proteas retaliate for Sri Lanka’s 2-0 Test Series defeat in 2019.
There are high expectations surrounding the 27-year-old even though Nortje has only played six events for South Africa so far.
With star bowler Kagiso Rabada injured, Nortje and Lungi Ngidi will likely share the new ball this weekend.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Nortje admitted that while the team is inexperienced, there is a lot of belief on the field.
“It’s a huge loss not to have KG at the moment, but I’m excited for the opportunity. I’m excited to run with the red ball at SuperSport Park, where there is some rebound and there could be cracks down the road, which excites me from the bowling prospect, “he said.
“We have no experience … but the most important thing is to try to stick together and make the best of the situation … It is about doing the performances as a unit. The guys are very interested and we had a good couple of days of training so I’m really excited about this series … “
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SuperSport Park is notoriously known for its pace and bounce and, according to Nortje, it is something the Proteas will use to their advantage to get past Mickey Arthur.
“We are aware that the last time they were here they beat us, it is something we want to rectify. Hopefully we will do it, but being as simple as possible,” Nortje told reporters on Thursday.
“There will be a little more bounce and rhythm [at Centurion] We will use it to our advantage, but we don’t want to get carried away.
“We try to see from all angles what we can do [against certain batsmen] and they are competing in different conditions … If there is someone who is not comfortable against the short ball, they will definitely get it, but if they are comfortable we will not throw it too much, although they still will. Nortje continued.
“It’s just about reading the conditions … but you don’t want to go too deep.”
Despite being out of action for months due to the coronavirus pandemic, Nortje came out shooting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this year.
He took 22 wickets for the Delhi Capitals in his debut season, as he finished as the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket taker.
Nortje insisted that he is not overly concerned about the lack of practice on the red ball before Saturday’s opening test.
“Red ball [cricket] it has always been the format that has been selected for me the most. It’s not like T20 cricket where you have to think fast, it’s more about being consistent and hitting the straps most of the time, “Nortje said.
“(The test cricket) has more to do with the rhythm and how the body feels. I am aware, but I am comfortable with having the red ball in my hand and I am confident about the next two games.”
Nortje’s Warriors teammate Glenton Stuurman will also receive his first test cap this weekend. Nortje stated that he is impressed by what he has seen and heard about Stuurman.
“He is a very good pitcher, he has a lot of control and skill. I have not played a lot with him, but having seen him on the net and what I have heard, he is very talented,” Nortje said. .
“I think he can really annoy the guys, especially Centurion, by asking the right questions and that’s something he can bring to the team. I don’t want to tag him, but he can. [fulfil] a role of Vernon (Philander) … I’m also excited for him. “
Saturday’s game starts at 10:00.
