South Africa’s star pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup with injuries.
They have been replaced by All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and fast bowler Lizaad Williams in South Africa’s 15-member squad.
The absence of Nortje deals a significant blow to South Africa’s prospects, as his skill in delivering game-changing spells at a rapid pace is sorely missed.
Nortje, One of the fastest bowlers in the world, was forced to leave the field due to back spasms after delivering five overs in his sole participation in South Africa’s recent five-match ODI series against Australia at home.
As per a statement from Cricket South Africa, he is currently suspected to have a lower back stress fracture.
Nortje will be absent from the ICC Cricket World Cup for the second consecutive time due to injury.
In the previous tournament held in England in 2019, he was unable to participate due to a fractured right thumb.
Sisanda Magala also participated in just a solitary match against Australia in the recent ODI series and is still in the process of recovering from a left knee injury.
The SA squad departs for India on Saturday and play their first game of the tournament against Sri Lanka on October 7.
Temba Bavuma will lead the South African team in the World Cup.
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.
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