In a major blow to the South African cricket team, pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup in India due to injuries. Cricket South Africa (CSA) have confirmed that both speedsters won't feature for the Proteas at the multi-nation event.
Fast-bowling allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams have been included in the updated 15-member squad led by skipper Temba Bavuma. It is understood that Nortje is down with a stress fracture (back). He complained of spasms during the 2nd ODI between South Africa and Australia that was played earlier this month at the Manguang Oval in Bloemfontein.
Nortje was only able to bowl five overs and conceded 58 runs at an economy rate of 11.60. The news comes as a personal setback for the right-arm quick too as he had also missed out on the opportunity to play in the 2019 edition with a fractured thumb.
He is one of the most feared pacers in world cricket at the moment and his pace along with the experience of playing in the Indian conditions would have worked wonders for the Proteas.
On the other hand, Magala played in the third ODI versus Australia and was fairly expensive as leaked 46 runs in his four overs and could only pick up a single wicket. He is nursing a left knee injury.
South Africa's white-ball coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment on Nortje's and Magala's omission from the World Cup squad but also mentioned that the unfortunate development has provided a wonderful opportunity for Phehlukwayo and Williams to prove their mettle at the marquee tournament.
South Africa's updated World Cup 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
