South Africa's hopes for success in the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup have suffered an early setback as injuries have ruled out both Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala from the tournament.
Nortje and Magala were initially included in South Africa's provisional squad for the upcoming World Cup but have been deemed unfit to travel to India for the competition.
Despite their participation in South Africa's recent 3-2 series victory over Australia, both fast bowlers were hampered by injuries that limited their contributions. Nortje managed to play just one ODI in the series, bowling only five overs and conceding 58 runs. Similarly, Magala bowled only four overs, giving away 46 runs in his sole appearance during the series.
This marks the second consecutive ODI World Cup that Nortje will miss, as he was also absent from the 2019 edition due to a hand injury prior to the tournament. This time, a persistent back issue has forced his withdrawal from the World Cup.
On the other hand, Magala has been dealing with a troublesome knee, which caused discomfort after bowling four overs in the third ODI against Australia, leading to his exclusion from the World Cup squad.
Nortje's absence will be a significant loss for South Africa, given his status as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and his experience in Indian conditions. Magala, who was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad earlier in the year in the IPL, did not have many opportunities to play.
To fill the void left by Nortje and Magala, South Africa has brought in Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams to their World Cup squad. Phehlukwayo recently made a successful return to international cricket during the ODI series against Australia, while Williams featured in the T20I series against Australia before the ODIs.
Commenting on the squad, head coach Rob 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.
