anrich nortje
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- Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje is looking forward to the upcoming three match ODI series against England.
- Nortje, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the SA20, hopes to contribute this week and execute on his plans.
- This will also be the first time that Nortje will work with ODI interim coach and permanent Test coach Shukri Conrad.
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje is keen to take his T20 form to the longer format ahead of Proteas’ ODI series against England this week.
Nortje was lightning quick and in song for Pretoria Capitals in their 52-run SA20 triumph over MI Cape Town at Newlands on Monday.
Defending a competitive 183 under lights in Cape Town, Nortje took three for 22 in his four overs as Pretoria Capitals beat the hosts for 130 in 18.1 overs.
His spell at Newlands saw Nortje top the SA20 list of leading wicket-takers as he currently sits on 13 wickets from seven games.
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Nortje now turns his attention to the 50-watch format as he is part of the Proteas ODI squad for this week’s three-match series against England.
The Proteas fast bowler will take on his Pretoria Capitals teammates Adil Rashid and Phil Salt during the ODI series in Kimberley and Bloemfontein.
“It’s going to be a good challenge, they also have a good team. At this stage, it’s trying to focus on my role and what I have to do to contribute to the team,” Nortje told reporters on Monday.
“I just need to try to hit my lengths and be on top and execute the plan. It’s going to be pretty much the same, but it’s just in a longer format, so a little longer on the feet, but otherwise , the same plans”.
The SA20 will take an eight-day break to accommodate the ODIs of SA v England, which is part of the World Cup Super League.
The Proteas need to win most of their remaining ODIs – three against England and two against the Netherlands – to become one of eight automatic qualifiers for October’s World Cup in India.
The South Africans, who will have Shukri Conrad as interim ODI manager for this series, are currently sitting 11th in the league.
Nortje is looking forward to working with Conrad, who is Proteas’ new permanent test coach.
“I haven’t worked with him before, so [I’m] excited to see what he is going to bring to the table. How are we going to do things?” Nortje said.
“It’s going to be tough. It’s literally in and out again, so there’s not a lot of time to try to turn things around. But I’m really looking forward to it and see what we can expect when we get there.”
The inauguration of the ODI starts on Friday at 1:00 p.m.
Proteas Squad for England ODIs:
Temba Bavuma (captain, Lions), Quinton de Kock (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Titans), Sisanda Magala (Lions), Keshav Maharaj, (Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Rocks ) ), Aiden Markram (Titans), David Miller (Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (lions).
Proteas v England ODI Matches:
Friday, January 27 – 1:00 p.m.
South Africa v England – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Sunday, January 29 – 10:00
South Africa v England – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Wednesday, February 1 – 1:00 p.m.
South Africa v England – The Oval, Kimberley
