CWC 2023: South Africa's Nightmare! Two Key Players Benched - Who Will Carry the Torch?

Injuries sideline South Africa’s Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala for the World Cup.
Last-minute replacements: Lizaad Williams and Andile Phehlukwayo step in.
Nortje’s remarkable speed is a significant loss due to his back problem.
Magala’s absence is due to an ongoing knee injury.
Coach Rob Walter expresses support for the injured players.
Nortje’s comeback was short-lived after playing in Major League Cricket.

In a stunning blow to South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, officials have confirmed that two key players, lethal fast bowler Anrich Nortje and versatile all-rounder Sisanda Magala, will miss the tournament due to injuries. The news was confirmed on Thursday, leaving the team scrambling to make last-minute changes before their campaign kicks off on October 7th against Sri Lanka.

Nortje, known for his remarkable speed, has been sidelined due to a troubling back problem, while Magala has been battling a persistent knee injury. Their absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field, as both players brought unique skills and experience to the squad.

Injuries force South Africa to make two changes to their World Cup squad:

🤕Anrich Nortje (Back injruy) 🔄 Lizaad Williams
🤕 Sisanda Magala (Knee injury) 🔄 Andile Phehlukwayo pic.twitter.com/SeqhGh8lDo
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) September 21, 2023

South Africa’s head coach, Rob Walter, expressed his sympathy for the sidelined players in a statement released by Cricket South Africa, saying,

“Anrich and Sisanda’s absence from the 50-over World Cup is a huge blow. We empathize with their situation and will provide all the support they need as they aim to make their competitive return.”

Nortje’s absence is especially significant as he had extensive experience playing in India, a crucial factor in the World Cup held in the subcontinent. He is also a key player for the Delhi Capitals in the highly competitive Indian Premier League, where he was retained as one of the franchise’s top pacers for the 2022 mega auction.

The fast bowler had recently taken a break from international duty after participating in the Major League Cricket tournament in the USA during the South African winter. However, his comeback was short-lived as he was ruled out of the first One Day International and made only a brief appearance in the second, bowling just five overs before leaving the field.

Subsequent scans revealed that he was unfit to play for the entire series, dashing hopes of his return in time for the World Cup.

With Nortje and Magala out of the equation, South Africa has chosen seamer Lizaad Williams and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo as replacements, hoping to fill the void left by the injured duo. The cricketing world will be watching closely as South Africa adjusts its strategy and lineup in the wake of these unexpected setbacks.

Latest Updates on South African Squad for ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup

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

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