- Thursday, February 27, 2025
Nortje, 29, failed to play in the 2019 edition in England due to a broken thumb.
By: Shubham Ghosh
SOUTH Africa’s preparations for the upcoming ICC cricket World Cup have received a major setback as two of their key fast bowlers — Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala — were ruled out of the marquee tournament after failing the fitness test.
While Nortje was named in the Proteas’ initial 15-member squad, he failed, along with Magala, to recover after the recently held home series against former champions Australia.
The 29-year-old had also missed the 2019 campaign in England due to a broken thumb and the African side would particularly miss his service this time in India, where he has a wealth of experience.
Nortje did not feature in the first one-day international against Australia in the recent home series after being rested for the T20 series. He bowled five overs to concede 58 runs without a reward in the second match but walked off the ground after that. He was subsequently ruled out of the series following scans.
South Africa, who have been playing the cricket world cup since 1992 following their readmission in the cricketing world after the Apartheid isolation, have reached the semi-finals four times but could not make finals even once.
As replacements, South Africa have roped in Andile Phehlukwayo and Lizaad Williams. The former played two matches in the series against Australia and picked a wicket in each game. He also showed his mettle with the bat in the deciding game, smashing 38 runs off 19 deliveries. His team won the game and the series 3-2.
However, the absence of Nortje and Magala will still see the South Africa pace attack including five bowlers in Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee. Left-arm quick Wayne Parnell, who has been omitted from the initial squad of 15, is treating an injured elbow and a niggle in the shoulder.
Speaking on Nortje and Magala, South Africa head coach Rob Walter said it was “hugely unfortunate”.
“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,” ICC quoted him as saying.
The Proteas leave for India on Saturday (23) and will play their first game in the tournament against former champions Sri Lanka in Delhi on October 7.
The side is led by Temba Bavuma.
South Africa updated squad for World Cup 2023: 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.
