Fast bowler Anrich Nortje enjoys working with the experienced Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander during the Proteas’ ongoing Test series against India.

Nortje weathered a difficult Test debut in Pune last week, when the Proteas slipped to an innings and 137-run defeat. The outcome, too, sealed an unassailable 2-0 series lead for the Indians.

Right-armer Nortje conceded 100 runs across 25 overs and went without a wicket.

‘We’ve had some good chat. It has been amazing working with them and talking about what we need to do. For me to take that into my game is obviously important,’ said Nortje.

‘It has been a long road. It has been a few years since I’ve been playing franchise cricket. I’ve put in the hard yards and it’s an amazing feeling to finally be a Test player. There are not a lot of people who can say that. It is such an honour – and an honour to be part of the team.

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‘Where it gets difficult, that’s where your character gets tested. It’s something I love and I am really looking forward to trying to contribute to the team.’

Whether Nortje is retained for this week’s third and final Test in Ranchi remains in the balance. The Proteas have fast bowler Lungi Ngidi in the squad, too.

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