'He should be good to go' - Shukri Conrad provides Anrich Nortje injury update

South Africa's pace spearhead Anrich Nortje will sit out the opening Test against Bangladesh at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from November 15 to 19. The 32-year-old suffered a groin injury during the second Test against Australia in Gqeberha and was ruled out of the final two matches of that series. However, he is expected to be available for selection when the teams meet at SuperSport Park in Centurion from November 23 to 27.

Head coach Shukri Conrad confirmed the update on Thursday, revealing that medical scans conducted during the Australia Test showed the damage was less severe than initially feared. The assessment provided clarity on Nortje's condition and the timeline for his return to competitive cricket.

"He went for the scan at St George's during the Test match, and it revealed nothing sinister. It wasn't as bad as initially anticipated and didn't require anything out of the ordinary either, just a little bit of rest and then some rehab," Conrad was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

How is Nortje progressing in his recovery?

Nortje has already begun his rehabilitation programme and is progressively building his training loads ahead of the second Test. Conrad expressed confidence that the pacer would be fit and ready for selection by that stage of the series.

"He'll definitely be in the frame for one of the Test matches here, possibly the second one. From a medical point of view, there was nothing wrong, and he's recovered well. He's started training early enough. He's building up his loads as we speak and he should be good to go by the second Test," Conrad added.

Nortje's availability will bolster South Africa's fast bowling options, which currently include Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. The squad comprises 15 members and is captained by Temba Bavuma, with Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza among those returning to the side. South Africa enter the Bangladesh series on the back of a 2-1 Test series victory over Australia.

What is Conrad's view on the pace attack composition?

Conrad also addressed the composition of South Africa's pace attack and the balance required in the squad. He outlined his thinking on the optimal number of fast bowlers needed and the role of all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the team's strategy.

"What's a full pace attack? Is it four or five? Even if you go with five quicks, someone's not going to bowl his overs," Conrad said.

He elaborated on Mulder's value to the team and explained why a fifth seamer would not be included in the playing XI.

"What Wiaan does, in particular with the ball now, is that he gives you the luxury of playing a specialist spinner. A fifth seamer, for me, is a bit of a waste because if the four aren't going to bowl a side out, trust me, the fifth one's not going to do that. There'll be no temptation to play five seamers," Conrad added.

What are Conrad's expectations for the Wanderers pitch?

Conrad also discussed the condition of the Wanderers pitch ahead of the first Test. He expressed hope that the surface would provide the balance needed for both teams to compete fairly.

"It's stock standard. It's obviously hot here. We just hope that it's not over-prepared and ready too early. It's got a really good grass covering," Conrad said.

The head coach outlined his expectations for how the Wanderers wicket would behave and what it would mean for South Africa's attack.

"I'd like to think we'll get a Wanderers wicket of old where there's good pace and balance because I think our attack can bowl on good wickets. We can take 20 wickets on good wickets. And we certainly want to give our batters every chance of posting big totals," Conrad concluded.