Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the World Cup. Photo: BackpagePix
JUST IN: Proteas confirm two injury blows on eve of World Cup
It has been confirmed that two fast bowlers have been ruled out of the Proteas’ Cricket World Cup squad due to injuries.
Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the World Cup. Photo: BackpagePix
On Thursday, Proteas white-ball head coach Rob Walter revealed that Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
As a result, Dolphins all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and Titans seam bowler Lizaad Williams have been added to the finalised 15-player squad.
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Nortje has a suspected low back (lumbar) stress fracture and will be under the care of a specialist team on the next steps in his recovery.
The 29-year-old seamer experienced lower back spasms during the second One-Day International against Australia earlier this month and underwent specialist assessments and scans.
His absence is a massive blow to the Proteas.
Magala was part of the recent white-ball tour against Australia and was given every opportunity for a full recovery and participation.
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Ultimately it was decided that the risk associated with his inclusion in the squad outweighed his obvious value to the team.
Commenting on the squad, 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 sympathise 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.
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Proteas Squad – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions) and Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans).
The World Cup commences on 5 October
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