South Africa have suffered a major setback ahead of the third and final Test against Australia as pacer Anrich Nortje sustained a minor injury to his groin. The hosts have a depleted pace bowling attack and have no immediate replacements as they host Australia for the third and decisive Test. The injury comes at a very inconvenient time for the hosts as the teams are currently tied at 1-1 in the best-of-five series.

Nortje hurt his groin during the fourth morning of the second Test at St George's Park in Gqeberha. He walked off after bowling the second over of his fourth over and spent the rest of the day in the dressing room. Nortje's injury was not serious, but it kept him out of the game for the remainder of the match, which he played in the second Test.

The skipper, Quinton de Kock, was reluctant to declare the innings early as he feared that the injury would keep him out of the third Test. However, he has since recovered and is expected to lead the team in the third Test. According to ESPNcricinfo, the injury is not as bad as initially feared, although there is no exact timeline for his return.

South Africa weigh bowling options after Anrich Nortje setback

Nortje had not played a red-ball match for over three-and-a-half years before returning for the opening Test against Australia in Durban. He bowled 40 overs in that match and took two wickets in each innings, making a big contribution to South Africa's attack.

The 32-year-old was expected to be rested for the second Test in Gqeberha. However, having completed the match in Durban with no problems, Nortje found himself back in the playing XI. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma later admitted it had been a “risk” to include Nortje, having been rested for the past couple of months due to a string of injuries and long periods on the sidelines.

With Nortje out of the picture for the decider, South Africa must now decide who will take his place. Gerald Coetzee, all-rounder Corbin Bosch and Cape Town-born seamer Dane Paterson are the leading contenders. All three have been in the squad since the start of the series.

Coetzee has not played a Test in almost two years, while Bosch can provide an extra all-round option. Paterson could also be an option, given his knowledge of the conditions in Cape Town, where the final Test will be played.

South Africa could also consider filling the gap in their spin department. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy could be considered if Nortje's exclusion means the management are looking to introduce a slower option. The rest of the squad is expected to remain the same, as the hosts are likely to stick with the same batting line-up as they employed in Gqeberha.

South Africa watch fitness of other injured players

Nortje is not the only South African player whose fitness is under the microscope ahead of a busy international summer. The management are also looking at the situation of several other injured players who could be back in contention in the coming weeks.

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi is expected to return next month after suffering a hamstring injury during the opening round of the domestic first-class competition. He could be back in contention for South Africa's upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Ottneil Baartman has already taken a step toward returning to action. The seamer, who also suffered a hamstring injury during the domestic season opener, made his return for the Dolphins in the Pro20 competition on Friday. He immediately made his mark, recording figures of 4/12.

However, there is still no news on left-arm fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, 20, or batter Tony de Zorzi. Both have been plagued by injuries, with de Zorzi suffering an injury to his hamstring during the third ODI against Australia last month.

South Africa will be looking to the third Test, which starts on Tuesday. With the series tied at 1-1, the hosts will need to make the right selection call as they look to overcome Australia and win the series.