South Africa announce squad for 3rd Test vs Australia, Anrich Nortje and Tony de Zorzi left out

South Africa have announced their squad for the third Test against Australia, with fast bowler Anrich Nortje ruled out due to a groin injury. The match will begin on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. Tony de Zorzi has also been left out of the squad.

Nortje sustained the injury while bowling during the first innings of the second Test in Gqeberha. Scans later confirmed that he would miss the final Test, forcing South Africa to consider other options for their pace attack. Cricket South Africa confirmed his absence while announcing the updated squad for the series finale.

South Africa head into the third Test with the series level at 1-1. They won the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs and will now look to take the series lead in Cape Town. The final Test is expected to be an important contest for both teams.

South Africa name 3rd Test squad vs Australia; Nortje and de Zorzi miss out

Anrich Nortje sustained a groin injury while bowling during the first innings of the second Test in Gqeberha. Scans later confirmed that he would miss the third and final Test against Australia. Tony de Zorzi has also been left out of South Africa’s squad for the match.

South Africa have several options to replace Nortje in the playing XI. Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson could all be considered if the team decides to play four specialist fast bowlers. Each player offers another option to strengthen the pace attack.

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The final decision will depend on South Africa’s team combination and the conditions at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. With the series level at 1-1, the hosts will aim to choose the right bowling attack for the series decider.

Full South Africa squad for the 3rd Test and why Nortje and de Zorzi were dropped

Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the third Test against Australia due to a mild groin injury. He sustained the injury while bowling in the first innings of the second Test in Gqeberha and bowled only 3.3 overs before leaving the field. Scans later confirmed the injury, ruling him out of the series finale. Tony de Zorzi has also been left out of the squad after suffering a hamstring injury during the third ODI against Australia last month.

Nortje’s absence gives South Africa several options for their pace attack. Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson could be considered for a place in the playing XI. The team could also include spinner Keshav Maharaj or left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy, depending on the conditions at Newlands and the team combination. Meanwhile, Kyle Verreynne has retained his place in the squad, despite Ryan Rickelton keeping wickets in the second Test.

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South Africa are also monitoring the recovery of several injured players ahead of their busy summer schedule. Lungi Ngidi, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, is expected to return next month and could be available for the Bangladesh series. Ottneil Baartman has returned to action for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition, taking four wickets for 12 runs. However, there are no fresh updates on young left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka or de Zorzi. South Africa will now prepare for the third Test against Australia as they look to take the series lead.

Full South Africa squad for the 3rd Test vs Australia:

Temba Bavuma (C), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne.

What the squad changes mean for South Africa against Australia in the 3rd Test

South Africa will need to adjust their bowling plans for the third Test against Australia after Anrich Nortje was ruled out with a groin injury. His absence leaves a gap in the pace attack, giving Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee and Dane Paterson a chance to make an impact. The team management will need to choose the right combination for the series decider.

The conditions at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town could also influence South Africa’s selection. The team may consider adding spinner Keshav Maharaj or all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy if the pitch supports spin bowling. With several options available, South Africa will have to balance their pace attack and spin options carefully.

Tony de Zorzi’s absence is another change for the hosts, as they prepare for an important match against Australia. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will be eager to take the lead and win the final Test. South Africa will hope their selected players can step up and help the team secure a series victory on home soil.