In what seems to be a big blow for the World Cup campaign of South Africa, star pacers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala will not be a part of their ODI World Cup 2023 squad. Both the star pacers have been ruled out of the marquee international tournament due to their respective injuries.
Nortje is currently one of the fastest bowlers of current times, he could have provided a big strength to the Proteas side in the 13th edition of the ODI World Cup. His absence will have a big impact on the preparations of South Africa in their quest for the first-ever World Cup title.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s head coach Rob Walter also spoke about the injuries of Anrich Nortje and Sisanad Magala. He called it a big setback for Temba Bavuma’s men to go ahead without their two key pacers.
"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 with their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action,” said Walter.
“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,” he added later.
Here’s a look at the South Africa’s updated squad for ODI World Cup 2023:
Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Rassie van der Dussen.
Here’s how fans reacted to the exclusion of Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala:
South Africans are certified chokers
— User45 (@140off113) September 21, 2023
IPL King
— Imi Imthiyas (@imi_hamad1) September 21, 2023
Now Ruled Out 💔
Probably the only fast bowler i was looking forward to watch from SA in the world cup 🥲
— Zoya Khan (@SweetZzoya) September 21, 2023
Ohhh really 😳😳😳 big blow for south africa
— ASHISH (@Ashish87652264) September 21, 2023
What u guys think 🤔🤔
Good for South Africa
— Cricbaaz Harry (@Cricbaazharry) September 21, 2023
Sb Fast Bowlers Injured ho rhy hain WC se pehly 🥲💔
— Faizan (@i_am_Faiizan) September 21, 2023
Huge huge blow to SA...
— Patel 🏹 (@Patelshyd) September 21, 2023
One more Wicket....
Not a good News for south Africa
— Statistics Of India (@Statfeedindia) September 21, 2023
Ek ek karke sab pacer out ho rhe
— Ashok Rajpurohit (@ashok_apna_AK) September 21, 2023
Meanwhile African fans: pic.twitter.com/5DJ8doaETx
— Human Being 🏹 (@ttjktyrt) September 21, 2023