New Delhi, Oct. 10 -- Anrich Nortje marked his return to Test cricket with two wickets as South Africa restricted Australia to 187/6 on the opening day of the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban on Friday.

Playing his first Test since March 2023, the right-arm fast bowler finished with figures of 2/40 from 13.2 overs, providing South Africa with a crucial breakthrough in the middle session. His double strike reduced Australia to 124/6 after the visitors had begun rebuilding their innings following an early collapse.

Nortje's comeback came after a prolonged absence from red-ball cricket, during which back and hip injuries disrupted his progress and limited his opportunities in the longest format. He had last featured in a Test against the ...