Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of South Africa's third and final Test against Australia after suffering a mild groin injury. With the series level at 1-1, South Africa will have to make a change to their bowling attack for the decider, which begins on Tuesday.

Nortje walked off the field midway through his fourth over on the fourth morning of the second Test in Gqeberha and did not return for the remainder of the match. His injury has cut short his return to Test cricket after more than three-and-a-half years away from the format.

The fast bowler 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 any apparent problems, Nortje was picked for the second Test as well.

Captain Temba Bavuma later admitted that the decision carried some risk, given Nortje's injury history and the lengthy periods he has spent on the sidelines.

While the length of his recovery remains uncertain, ESPNcricinfo understands that the injury is not as serious as initially feared. South Africa have not named a replacement for the final Test.

SA WEIGH UP OPTIONS TO REPLACE NORTJE

Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson are among the options available to South Africa for the series decider. All three have been part of the squad since the first Test.

Coetzee has not played a Test in nearly two years, while Bosch and Paterson offer alternative options for the pace attack. South Africa could also consider left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy if they decide to go with 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 final Test.

South Africa are also monitoring the fitness of several other players ahead of a busy international summer. 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 already returned to action for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the season opener. He 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 will look to settle on their bowling combination without Nortje as they attempt to win the series in the third Test, which starts on Tuesday.

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