Nortje, Magala out of South Africa World Cup squad; Phehlukwayo, Williams replaced him

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Johannesburg. Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the South Africa squad for the upcoming Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 in India due to injuries, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Thursday.

All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and seam bowler Lizaad Williams have been named in his place in the 15-player World Cup squad. The 29-year-old Nortje experienced lower back spasms during the second ODI against Australia earlier this month, where he bowled only five overs before walking off the field.

CSA said Nortje has undergone specialist assessment and scans with a suspected lower back (lumbar) stress fracture and will be supervised by a specialist team on the next stage of his recovery.

Regarding Magala, CSA said he was given every opportunity to fully recover and participate. It added, “It was ultimately decided that the risk associated with his inclusion in the team outweighs his obvious value to the team.”

Nortje missed the 2019 ODI World Cup in England due to a fracture in his right thumb. This is a big blow for South Africa as Nortje has ample experience of playing in India during his stint with Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL), apart from previous tours with the Proteas.

“It is extremely disappointing for Enrique and Sisanda to miss the 50-over World Cup. Both are quality players who add immense value to the Proteas. We sympathize with his omission and will continue to provide all necessary support as we work towards his return.

“This provides an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage,” said head coach Rob Walter. Both players have been part of our winter programs and also represented South Africa in the recent white-ball tour against Australia. “He offers a great skill set and we are excited to include him in our 15-player squad for this year’s World Cup.”

South Africa will leave for India on Saturday to prepare for the World Cup. They have to play two practice matches against Afghanistan and New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram on 29 September and 2 October. They will begin their ODI World Cup campaign against 1996 champions Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on October 7.

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), 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 Dusen and Lizaad Williams. (IANS)

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