South Africa’s Anrich Nortje delivers a ball during the second one-day international (ODI) cricket … [+]
South Africa suffered a big blow on Thursday after the team announced that fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala would miss the upcoming cricket World Cup due to injuries.
ESPNCricinfo reported that Nortje suffered a suspected stress fracture of the back after experiencing spasms during the second ODI against Australia earlier this month, while Magala has a left knee injury.
The duo have been ruled out after they failed to clear a fitness test and have been replaced by Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams.
South Africa begin their World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka on October 7 in the Indian capital of New Delhi.
“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,” South Africa’s coach Rob Walter said, according to the ICC website.
“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.”
Nortje also missed the 2019 World Cup with a fractured thumb. His absence will be a major blow to South Africa, given that he has a wealth of experience in Indian conditions.
South African players celebrate winning the series after the fifth one-day international (ODI) … [+]
South Africa’s other fast-bowling options in the squad are Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi and Gerald Coetzee.
The squad will leave for India on Saturday and play warm-up games against Afghanistan on September 29 and New Zealand on October 2.
South Africa’s best record at the World Cup has been the semi-finals, which they have reached on four occasions – in 1992, 1999, 2007 and 2015.
South Africa’s updated World Cup 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 Dussen, Lizaad Williams.