Nortjé pleased at young Warriors outfit
Warriors paceman Anrich Nortjé believes the youthful nature of the side will put them in a strong position as they look to make a deep run in the Cricket SA T20 Challenge.
After two bonus-point wins to kick-start their campaign, the Gqeberha side will look to continue their form when they take on the Titans at Super Sport Park on Wednesday (6pm start).
Nortjé returned to St George’s Park last week against the Tuskers, his first competitive match in almost six months after sustaining a back injury in September 2023.
This injury had ruled him out of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup hosted in India.
While the speed merchant will only be available for the Warriors ’ home matches, owing to the imminent birth of his and wife Michaela’s first child, Nortjé was excited by the fresh-faced squad assembled.
“If I remember correctly, the last time I played a T20 match for the Warriors was during the Covid-19 pandemic, so I haven’t played much for them or at St George’s Park,” Nortjé said.
“Having said that, there have been a lot of changes to the squad, a lot of new faces and with Robbie [Peterson] always looking to put a youthful side together, it was to be expected.
“The combinations we have put together have worked well so far, I know it is still very early in the competition.
“Everyone looks to be getting on pretty well and there was a good vibe when I rejoined the group,” Nortjé said.
Speaking about his injury layoff, Nortjé said it was a tough road back but it was something he made peace with early on.
“Since that match when I left the field with back spasms, I knew something was seriously wrong and it would take some time to recover.
“I made peace with missing the World Cup and my aim was to find out what was wrong and then set in motion the wheels of recovery.”*
PACEMAN SAYS THERE HAVE BEEN MANY CHANGES TO THE SQUAD SINCE HIS INJURY LAYOFF