Anrich Nortje, a fast bowler, and Sisanda Magala, an all-arounder, will not be representing South Africa at the Cricket World Cup in India due to injuries, officials announced on Thursday.
South Africa changes to World Cup squad: As replacements, pitcher Lizaad Williams and all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo have been called up for South Africa’s Oct. 7 opener against Sri Lanka.
The loss of Nortje’s explosive pace is a serious setback because he succumbed to a back problem that caused him to miss the last stretch of the recent 3-2 home series victory over Australia.
Magala has been dealing with a knee problem.
In a statement to the media, Cricket South Africa’s coach Rob Walter remarked, “This presents an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the international stage.” “Both players participated in our winter programmes and recently travelled with South Africa on a white-ball tour of Australia.
We are thriller to have them join and complete the 15-player World Cup group, given their excellent skill sets.
Since his debut in 2016, Phehlukwayo has participated in 76 One-Day Internationals, however his performance has caused him to be in and out of the team. His reputation stems from his diverse ball-handling abilities and his proficiency as a powerful hitter in the lower order.
Williams played in one ODI match, taking 1-62 in eight overs, against Ireland in 2021.
He has participated in two Tests and nine Twenty20 games, including one this month against Australia. Despite participating in four World Cup semifinals, South Africa has yet to win the championship.
Revised South Africa 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.