Anrich Nortje with a score to settle against Australia after three-year Test hiatus

While South Africa defeated the Aussies in the World Test Championship Final in London last year, Nortje last represented the country in the longest format in February 2023.

He is currently in camp in Durban with the rest of the side preparing for the first match against Australia starting on Friday, and he admitted that red ball clashes against them always get Proteas players fired up.

"I do think there's an extra X-factor or fire that comes out when you're about to play a test match against Australia because everyone wants to perform in this big series. The last series in Australia was tough, I learned a lot from it and we will rectify a few things."

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Nortje says he’s been actively working on some improvements in anticipation of his return to Test cricket.

He added that he’s been building up bowling loads to give himself the best chance of impressing should he play at Kingsmead.

The 32-year-old made his debut in 2019 and has taken 70 wickets in 19 matches across the four years that he was in Test whites.

He says it felt good to dust off his cap after spending the last three years in coloured clothing.

"I've looked at my test cap lay around in the house over the last few years, and test cricket is something you always look forward to and it's been the motivation for me to get through difficult periods. I'm just excited to be on tour again and if I get the opportunity to play I will make the most of it."