Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala Ruled Out of ODI World Cup 2023

They have been replaced by Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams in South Africa’s 15-man squad for the tournament that begins in India on October 5.

Double Blow for the Proteas:

Magala’s World Cup dream was cut short as he suffered a knee injury during his only appearance in the series against Australia. In that particular match, he managed to bowl just four overs before succumbing to the injury. The absence of Magala will be a significant blow for the South African team. Nortje also has a suspected stress fracture of the back after experiencing spasms during the second ODI against Australia earlier this month and will miss the ODI World Cup 2023.

Andile Phehlukwayo to replace Magala, Lizaad Williams in place of Nortje:

In the wake of Magala’s unfortunate injury, all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo has been selected as the replacement. Similarly, Lizaad Williams has been picked as the replacement for Nortje. Notably, Phehlukwayo showcased his potential during the final ODI against Australia at the Wanderers on Sunday. During that crucial match, Phehlukwayo played a match-changing innings, scoring an unbeaten 39 from just 19 balls. Williams played three of the five matches, taking 3 for 44, 1 for 17, and 0 for 24. South Africa will begin their World Cup on Saturday, October 7, with a match against Sri Lanka at Delhi, while their league stage ends with a clash against Afghanistan on Friday, November 10, at Ahmedabad. They have warm-up games against Afghanistan on September 29 and New Zealand on October 2.

South Africa 15-players Squad for World Cup 2023: 

Eight out of the 15 players have earned their maiden World Cup call-ups, including captain Temba Bavuma. A notable name in South Africa’s World Cup mix is right-arm pacer Gerald Coetzee, who made his international debut earlier this year. Coetzee has taken five wickets in his two one-day international appearances, including a three-wicket haul on his ODI debut. Here is the 15-member squad that will undoubtedly impact their team performance in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023:

Temba Bavuma(c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock(wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen(wk), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams.

Experienced Veterans:

The squad comprises stalwart batters such as Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Rassie van der Dussen. Star wicketkeeper-batter de Kock has also made significant news by announcing his retirement from ODI cricket after the conclusion of the World Cup. They all have a proven track record of delivering under pressure on the international stage.

Pace Battery:

One exciting aspect of the South African unit is the depth of their pace attack. Apart from the usual suspects – Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and all-rounder Marco Jansen –they have also got Lizaad Williams and Gerald Coetzee. These pacemakers have the ability to generate raw pace and bounce, which can be a potent weapon on Indian pitches.

Spin Wizards:

Their spin attack comprises their usual left-arm specialists, finger-spinner Keshav Maharaj and wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, while Markram can fill in with his off breaks. These spinners have been in excellent form in recent years and will be vital in providing crucial breakthroughs during the tournament. Since the tournament is taking place in India, spinners are expected to play a vital role due to the suitable subcontinental conditions.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, South Africa enters the ICC World Cup 2023 with high aspirations under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma. The previous World Cup in England was disappointing for South Africa as they failed to qualify for the knockout stages, finishing in the bottom half of the standings. With a talented squad and key players in prime form, the Proteas aim to claim their maiden ODI World Cup title and make a mark in the cricketing world. The stage is set, and the anticipation is palpable as South Africa prepares to embark on this historic journey.