Delhi: South African fast bowler Enrich Norkhia is preparing to return to Test cricket after a long gap. He has not played any first-class match for almost 4 years, but during this period his preparation with the red ball continued continuously. Norkhia is busy strengthening his bowling before the three-match Test series starting against Australia.

The 32-year-old pacer said, “For a long time, my preparation has been keeping the red ball in mind.

I have focused on gradually increasing the load in my bowling, practicing properly and bowling more overs. I am trying to identify my shortcomings and improve them.”

Special work on bowling action

Norkhia has also worked on his action with South African bowling coach Pete Botha. Both live in the same area, which made it easy for them to discuss and practice continuously.

He told, “I have also done a lot of work myself in recent times. I started recording my bowling to see where there is need for improvement. We have focused on action, body balance and making the bowling stronger and more durable.”

Increased caution after injuries

Back injury has been a big challenge in Norkhia's career. Bowling at high speed puts a lot of pressure on his body. He has bowled at a speed of more than 145 kilometers per hour many times. For this reason, in the last few years he mainly focused on T20 cricket. Now he faces the challenge of Test cricket.

He said, “There are difficult times in Test cricket and in those moments, hard work takes you forward. If I can wear a Test cap again, it will be a matter of great joy for me.

Since childhood, Test cricket has been the format I wanted to play.”