Anrich Nortje hopes to make his Test cricket comeback in the 2025-26 season.

The Proteas fast bowler took a break from the longest format in 2024-25 to focus on white-ball cricket, but missed the Champions Trophy due to a back injury.

A fractured toe then ruled him out of the home series against Pakistan as well as the SA20.

Nortje returned to action for the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Punjab Kings on 15 April, taking 1-23 in three overs, but has not been selected since.

It was his first major appearance since the 2024 T20 World Cup final against India, where he was South Africa’s highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets in nine matches.

“It was great to play a game in a competitive space again,” Nortje told SportsBoom.com.

“I was available for December’s Test matches against Pakistan, but broke my toe before the first match. The mindset was ready. I was up for it and excited, but then the blow came. I had to get everything in line again. If and when one such [selection] conversation happens, we will take it from there.”

Nortje says the Proteas stand a good chance of breaking their ICC tournament jinx in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in June, having won five out of their last seven matches at the iconic venue.

“It is a neutral ground, and South Africa have a good record at the Lord’s. Hopefully, we can continue that. It is a young team, but an established one. The players have been in form. The success is due to the team contribution and not one player.

“South Africa have done well under Shuks [coach Shukri Conrad] and it’s a big opportunity for us to lift the trophy.

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