In a big setback for South Africa, Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the upcoming ODI World Cup in India due to injuries. Nortje, who experienced lower back spasms during the second ODI against Australia, has a suspected low back (lumbar) stress fracture.
On the other hand, Magala is nursing a left-knee injury. The Proteas’ coach, Rob Walter, expressed his disappointment over the injuries and the team’s preparations for the tournament. The absence of Nortje and Magala will be a significant blow to the South African team’s pace attack.
Magala was given every opportunity to recover from his injury, but the decision was made to replace him with another player. CSA coach Rob Walter has named Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams as Magala’s replacements.
Phehlukwayo is an all-rounder from the KZN Dolphins who bowls medium pace and has the ability to give lusty blows with bat. While Williams is a seam bowler from the Northerns Titans whom we saw against Australia in T20Is
The Proteas will be hoping that their replacements can fill the void left by Magala and help the team perform well in the tournament. It is a significant setback for the Proteas, but they will be looking to make the most of the resources they have and put up a good show in the World Cup.
“Opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage,” Rob Walter
Proteas 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.” Walter also stated that the team management will continue to provide all the necessary support to Nortje and Magala as they work towards their return to competitive action.
However, the coach also highlighted that the exclusion of Nortje and Magala provides an opportunity for Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams to showcase their skills on the global stage. Both players have been part of the Proteas’ winter programmes and have represented South Africa in the recent white-ball tour against Australia.
Walter believes that Phehlukwayo and Williams offer great skill sets and will be valuable additions to the Proteas’ squad for the World Cup. There will be Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi as experienced bowlers for the team and one of the pair, Williams or Phehlukwayo, will get to play all games in the World Cup.
Phehlukwayo is not a new addition to the team. He was part of South Africa’s 2019 World Cup campaign and has represented the side in 76 matches and has 89 wickets to his name. His batting ability is also quite good, averaging 25 with high score of 69*.
South Africa team travelling to the ODI World Cup 2023
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), 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.
