It came as a crushing blow for the Proteas on Thursday, as star bowlers Sisanda Magala and Anrich Nortje were ruled out of the upcoming Cricket World Cup. South Africa have called up Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams to the squad in their absence.
Limited over Proteas coach Rob Walter on Thursday confirmed that Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala have been ruled out of the men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup in India.
Nortje has a suspected lower 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.
Magala was part of the recent white-ball tour against Australia and was given every opportunity for a full recovery and participation.
‘Risk was too great’
Ultimately it was decided that the risk associated with his inclusion in the squad outweighed his obvious value to the team.
Walter has named Dolphins all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and Titans seam bowler Lizaad Williams in the finalized 15-player squad.
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 sympathize 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.”
Proteas 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 and Lizaad Williams.
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