Anrich Nortje ruled out of South Africa's third Test against Australia with groin injury

Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of South Africa's third and final Test against Australia after suffering a mild groin injury that forced him off the field on the fourth morning of the second Test in Gqeberha. The series is level at 1-1 and the decider begins on Tuesday, leaving South Africa to alter their bowling plan.

Nortje's injury ended a return to Test cricket that followed more than three-and-a-half years away from the format; he made his comeback in the series opener in Durban, where he bowled 40 overs and claimed four wickets across the two innings. Having come through that match without apparent problems, he was selected for the second Test but walked off midway through his fourth over on the fourth morning and did not return. Captain Temba Bavuma later admitted the decision to pick Nortje carried some risk given his injury history and lengthy spells on the sidelines. While the length of recovery is uncertain, ESPNcricinfo understands the injury is not as serious as initially feared.

South Africa have not named a replacement for the final Test. Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the options available to the hosts; all three have been part of the squad since the first Test, and Coetzee has not played a Test in nearly two years. Bosch and Paterson offer alternative pace options for the series decider.

Selectors could also consider left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy if they decide on a different bowling combination. The hosts are expected to retain the same batting line-up that featured in Gqeberha, with Nortje's absence the main selection concern ahead of the third Test.

South Africa are monitoring the fitness of several other players. Lungi Ngidi, who suffered a hamstring injury during the opening round of the domestic first-class competition, is expected to return next month and could feature in the Bangladesh series. Ottneil Baartman has returned to action for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the season opener and took four wickets for 12 runs on Friday. There is still no update on left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka or batter Tony de Zorzi, who injured his hamstring during the third ODI against Australia last month.

South Africa must settle on their bowling combination without Nortje as they attempt to win the series in the third Test, which starts on Tuesday.