Nortje’s nose for trouble..
ANRICH NORTJE has promised England more chin music in the second Test this week.
South Africa pace ace Nortje produced a fiery spell at Lord’s on Friday which sent back Jonny Bairstow, Alex Lees and Ben Foakes in the space of 10 deliveries – with his speed peaking at 95mph.
But each of his scalps came when the ball was pitched up.
It was in stark contrast to England’s tactics against No.10 Nortje, who scored an important 28 not out at the start of the day despite a barrage of short-pitched bowling from the hosts.
Now the fast bowler has warned that payback could be in store at Old Trafford.
Nortje said: “I probably didn’t think they would stick to it for such a long period with different bowlers.
“But I always know I am going to get it.
“A different wicket and it might be different again.
“I will not really read too much into it and, either way, I am going to get it again – so I might as well try to dish out a few as well!
“You would have to ask them what their plans are with regards to the bouncers to me. ‘Nose and toes’ is what they mostly say to the tailender. Most of the time it works so I don’t really have answers.
“I just focus on what my strengths are and take it from there. If there are one or two bouncers that I do bowl, that’s fine but I try to focus on hitting length most of the time.”
South Africa have won eight of their last 10 Tests with Nortje’s contributions key
But he is just one member of an excellent four-seam attack with Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi.
He said: “It is an unbelievable attack and the guys have shown what they can do. Everyone covers a different aspect in their own department – and it is really nice to be joining up and playing red-ball cricket with the team again.”