Fast bowler Anrich Nortje believes the past two months have provided him with the “ideal build-up” to push for a place in South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad, which is set to be announced next week. The 31-year-old pacer made a thunderous return to the SA20 with career-best figures of 4 for 13 for Sunrisers Eastern Cape, bowling out Paarl Royals for a tournament-record low of 49 and signaling his readiness for international duty after a long battle with injuries.

“I’d call it the ideal build-up”

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo after Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s opening win in Paarl, Nortje reflected on his gradual return to form over the past two months, which began with the CSA T20 Challenge and continued through the recent T20I series in India.

“Hopefully I get selected, but for now it’s just to try and build, take it game by game and day by day. I had a nice little buildup starting with the CSA T20 Challenge and then got the call-up for the India series. I’d call it the ideal build-up. From here on, it’s just to try and execute and work on one or two things. It’s also so busy, so it’s just to try and keep the momentum going, keep a clear head, and keep focus. I’d probably call it the ideal build-up just from where I was a few months ago to now,” Nortje said.

The right-arm quick has endured a torrid run with injuries over the past 18 months, limiting him to just two international matches during that period. Persistent back issues forced him to miss the second and third editions of the SA20, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy, raising doubts about whether he could return to peak fitness.

Thunderous SA20 return signals comeback

Nortje’s performance against Paarl Royals marked his best T20 returns since the 2024 T20 World Cup and his first appearance in the SA20 since the inaugural season. On a slow, uneven surface at Boland Park, he used the short ball effectively and showcased his full skill set, tearing through the Royals’ top order with pace and accuracy.

Signs of progress were evident even before the SA20. Nortje finished joint fourth on the wicket-taking list in the CSA T20 Challenge and featured in two matches during South Africa’s T20I series in India, where his pace and control steadily improved despite going wicketless.

“You’ve got to trust your body”

The upcoming SA20 schedule will test Nortje’s durability, with the possibility of playing five matches in 10 days early in the tournament and as many as 13 matches in a month if Sunrisers Eastern Cape reach the playoffs. Given his recent injury history, the workload could be a concern, but Nortje insists he is not preoccupied with what might go wrong.

“You’ve got to trust your body, and you can’t worry about this or that. I don’t think it’s something I ever don’t trust,” he said. “When something’s wrong, then it’s probably too late, but, in general, you have to trust your body. When I’m out injured, I’m just motivated to get back better and build on what I can remember.”

Despite opting out of a central contract with Cricket South Africa, Nortje remains available for national selection and is firmly in contention for the T20 World Cup squad, which will be announced next week.

Open to Test and ODI comebacks

With his confidence growing, Nortje is also open to expanding his international ambitions beyond T20 cricket. He has not played an ODI in over two years or a Test since early 2023 but remains eager to contribute in longer formats.

“It’s well known I was going to play last year against Pakistan in the Test matches as well, so I’m definitely still open to the idea. It’s definitely not out of the picture. I would love to play Tests again as it’s been a very long time, but only time will tell,” he stated.

Busy months ahead

For now, Nortje’s focus remains firmly on the shortest format. A busy few months lie ahead, including the remainder of the SA20, the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka starting in February, and a return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Lucknow Super Giants.

If he can stay fit and maintain his current form, Nortje could be a key weapon for South Africa as they aim to end their long wait for an ICC trophy.