JOHANNASBURG, Sep 21: South Africa face a major setback ahead of their 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup campaign with injury concerns turning into their worst nightmare.
South Africa will be without Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala at the World Cup after the duo failed to clear a fitness test. While Nortje was named in the initial 15-member squad, both players failed to recover after the home series against Australia.
The quick, who also missed the 2019 World Cup with a fractured thumb, has a wealth of experience in Indian conditions and is one of the quickest fast bowlers in world cricket today.
His absence is a major blow to the Proteas ahead of the multi-team event in India where they’ll aim to secure a maiden Cricket World Cup win.
Nortje had missed the first ODI against Australia after being rested through the T20I series. He returned for the second ODI, only to walk off after he bowled five overs. He was subsequently ruled out of the series after scans.
Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams have been roped in as replacements for the injured pacers. Phehlukwayo featured in two ODIs against Australia and picked up a wicket each.
In the series decider, he showcased his batting prowess with an unbeaten 19-ball 38, laced with two fours and four sixes.
The pace attack is still heavily packed with five pacers led by Kagiso Rabada. Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee are the other quicks in the squad.
Experienced left-arm quick Wayne Parnell, whose omission from the initial 15 was categorised as a tough one by head coach Rob Walter, is nursing an elbow injury and a shoulder niggle.
Commenting on the squad, Walter said: “It’s hugely disappointing for Anrich and Sisanda to be missing out on the 50-over World Cup. Both are quality players that add immense value to the Proteas. We sympathize in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action.
“This provides an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage. Both players have been part of our winter programs as well as having represented South Africa in the recent white-ball tour against Australia. They offer great skill sets and we’re excited to have them complete the 15-player squad for this year’s World Cup.”
The squad departs for India on Saturday, 23 September and will begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka in Delhi on 7 October.
South Africa’s updated squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams. (UNI)
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