CWC
Proteas white-ball head coach Rob Walter has confirmed that bowlers Anrich Nortje and Sisanda Magala will not be going to the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India.
In a statement on Thursday, Walter said Nortje has a suspected low back stress fracture and will be under the care of a specialist team on the next steps in his recovery.
“The 29-year-old seamer experienced lower back spasms during the second Betway One-Day International against Australia earlier this month and underwent specialist assessments and scans,” he said.
Walter said Magala was part of the recent white-ball tour against Australia and was given every opportunity for a full recovery and participation.
“Ultimately it was decided that the risk associated with his inclusion in the squad outweighed his obvious value to the team,” he added.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and Momentum Multiply Titans seam bowler Lizaad Williams have been included in the final 15-player squad.
“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 in their omission and will continue to provide all the necessary support as they work towards their return to competitive action,” said Walter.
However, he said this provided an opportunity for Andile and Lizaad on the global stage.
The squad departs for India on Saturday, with their first outing in the tournament against Sri Lanka on 7 October.
