Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje admits a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury tested him mentally as much as physically.

Nortje made his international return in the first T20I against India on Tuesday, taking 0-41 in four overs as South Africa suffered a 101-run loss.

With pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada returning home early from the tour with an injury of his own, the inclusion of Nortje strengthens a bowling unit that has sorely missed his pace and experience.

But it has not been an easy journey. The quick, now representing the KZN Dolphins domestically, has had to battle a tough rehab period – and he is taking it game by game.

HIGHLIGHTS: India vs Proteas (1st T20I)

“It’s really good to be back,” he told SportsBoom.co.za. “Even back in franchise cricket, it’s been a change for me, now playing for the Dolphins. Just being on the park and playing has been great.

“It’s been a few months of rehab and off time. You can bowl in the net as much as you want, but getting on the field and getting a game is what you want.

“For me it was always about taking it game by game. You always want to be a part of the Proteas again. For me it was just focusing on what I can control.”

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Photo: @ProteasMenCSA/X