Fast bowler Anrich Nortje has made his long-awaited return to the Proteas T20I squad for December’s five-match series in India.
The 32-year-old last played for the national side in the 2024 T20 World Cup final and has been sidelined since, making his recall a major boost ahead of next year’s global showpiece – also in India.
Temba Bavuma will captain the ODI side for three matches from 30 November to 6 December, while Aiden Markram resumes the T20I captaincy for the series starting 9 December.
Batsman Rubin Hermann, who debuted against Pakistan earlier this month, keeps his place in the ODI squad.
“The T20I series is an important opportunity for us to finalise our squad ahead of next year’s World Cup,” said Proteas coach Shukri Conrad. “Getting clarity on combinations and roles now is crucial.”
With Kagiso Rabada sidelined, Conrad said the tour again highlights the depth South Africa has built.
“As we saw in the first Test win over India, this group has depth. Every time someone is unavailable, it opens the door for another player to stand up.”
On Nortje’s comeback, Conrad added: “It’s really good to welcome Anrich back after he missed previous tours through injury. We know exactly what he brings.”
Proteas ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Rubin Hermann, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Prenelan Subrayen.
Proteas T20I squad: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.
India vs Proteas white-ball fixtures:
Sunday, 30 November: 1st ODI, Ranchi
Wednesday, 3 December: 2nd ODI, Raipur
Saturday, 6 December: 3rd ODI, Visakhapatnam
Tuesday, 9 December: 1st T20I, Cuttack
Thursday, 11 December: 2nd T20I, New Chandigarh
Sunday, 14 December: 3rd T20I, Dharamsala
Wednesday, 17 December: 4th T20I, Lucknow
Friday, 19 December: 5th T20I, Ahmedabad
Photo: Philip Brown/Gallo Images
